Take a walk with your tastebuds to a new indulgence: Boardwalk Chicken. This isn’t just any whole chicken preparation; it’s a spicy and splendidly savory meal with herbaceous, lime-infused flavors in each juicy, grilled bite. It even soaks the chicken in the dressing to ensure a single drop won’t go to waste, and that every bite brings that refreshing flavor to your tastebuds. Boardwalk Chicken takes less time than a playful jaunt around the boardwalk and makes a marvel of your next dinner. You’ll be making this taste journey regularly after this!
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for the grill
- 1 dried guajillo or New Mexico chili or 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 3/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh oregano, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lime zest, finely grated
- kosher salt, to taste
- freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 1 (4-pound) chicken, halved, backbone removed
- lime wedges, optional, for serving
Directions
Step 1 –Preheat the grill for medium indirect heat.
Step 2 –Brush the grill rack with olive oil.
Step 3 –If using a whole chili, toast it in a dry skillet over medium heat until slightly puffed and darkened, about 4 minutes.
Step 4 –Discard the stem and seeds of the chili.
Step 5 –Finely chop the chili and transfer it to a small bowl.
Step 6 –Add the cilantro, oregano, lime zest, and 1/4 cup of olive oil to the chili, stirring to combine.
Step 7 –Season the dressing with salt and pepper.
Step 8 –Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
Step 9 –Place the chicken skin-side down on the grill.
Step 10 –Grill the chicken, flipping occasionally until the skin is crisp and brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165 degrees F, about 10-15 minutes per side. About 5 minutes before the chicken is done, baste it with about 1/2 of the dressing.
Step 11 –Pour the remaining dressing on a carving board or a platter.
Step 12 –Place the chicken, skin side up, on top of the dressing on the carving board.
Step 13 –Let the chicken sit for at least 10 minutes to rest and absorb the flavors.
Step 14 –Carve the chicken and serve it with lime wedges.
