December 04, 2007

The Big Easy

***Still no internet connection, I forgot to pack my camera and my place is a disaster. But here's a post about chicken that I made before I left.

I love to try new things so when the folks at Char-Broil asked if I wanted to test out their oil-less turkey fryer, The Big Easy, I responded with an enthusiastic YES! Within a week of our email exchange a very large box arrived on my doorstep. Opening it up, I realized that some assembly was required, but with the help of my power drill and the instruction booklet, it came together in a snap. Once I had it put together I didn’t want to wait any longer to use it so I set about preparing a little chicken. I bathed the chicken in a soy sauce marinade for a few hours before stuffing lemon slices under the skin and rubbing some spices on top. Not even the falling snow could keep me from trying out The Big Easy, (although this meant standing in the cold as using the infrared fryer requires a propane tank and is therefore an outdoor activity). In less time than it would usually take to roast a chicken in the oven, it was done.


And the results? Crispy, crackly skin concealed an unbelievably moist chicken. I was pleasantly surprised by the results. It was one of the juiciest chickens I’ve had in a long time and was simple to do. All I had to do was check the thermometer and remove the basket when the chicken reached the appropriate temperature, let it rest for a few minutes and slice away. With the leftover chicken I made a chicken salad sandwich on fresh Italian bread for lunch the next day and it was just as delicious. I’m looking forward to trying out a turkey next time and playing around with spice rubs. The Big Easy has currently taken up residence next to my smoker and BBQ and is a welcome addition to my toy collection.


10 comments:

Gretchen Noelle said...

I think it is kinda funny that cooking with a propane tank means "outdoor activity" when I do that here every day. Propane tank hooked up to my stove, for which I light a match every time I want to cook. Ha!

K and S said...

that is so cool! I miss eating turkey.

Deborah said...

What a fun toy! I've never heard of it before - I'll have to check it out!

Veron said...

I've always wanted to fry turkey but was so afraid of the oil. This is a great alternative. I'm going to check it. Your chicken sure looks good!

Shannon said...

Is there a plate that catches drippings to make gravy if desired? That is what I have always disliked about fried turkey, no drippings for gravy.

test it comm said...

That sandwich looks really good. Now I am craving a turkey sandwich with mayo, cranberry sauce, lettuce and tomatoes...

Unknown said...

Crispy, crackly skin concealed an unbelievably moist chicken. - I'm sold :)

Sara said...

That sounds like the coolest thing! Oil less frying...I love it.

Susan from Food Blogga said...

Sorry to hear about the no connection and camera. Great pic though!

Annie said...

Sounds good to me. I love chicken, especially when the skin in crisp and the meat is juicy and tender! The sandwich looks awesome too!~