The Secret Ingredient That Gives Brie Larson’s Chicken Recipe Ultra-Crispy Skin

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Gramus is a best-selling novel turned into a television show in 2023. The plot tells the story of Elizabeth Zott, played by Brie Larson, a chemist who turns into a cooking show host. All the recipes in the book sound so irresistible that they have been shared online, too. The crispy Christmas chicken one is a must-try!

How to Get Extra Crispy Chicken

The Christmas chicken recipe is super easy to make and doesn’t require too many ingredients: a whole chicken, a lemon, butter, olive oil, salt, pepper, and one ingredient that makes the chicken super crispy—baking powder.

It’s made with baking soda and an acid and bubbles when it touches liquid. It’s perfect for giving the chicken that golden-brown color and crispy outside.

How to Make the Christmas Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken, 4 to 5 pounds
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 lemon, zested and quartered
• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
• olive oil, for brushing

Directions:

1. Mix salt, baking powder, black pepper, and lemon zest, and season the whole chicken inside and out. Leave it in the refrigerator overnight.
2. Heat a cast iron skillet in the oven at 425°F (220°C).
3. Put butter and lemon quarters inside the chicken and tie its legs if you have twine at home. Brush the skin with olive oil.
4. Once the skillet is hot, place the breast side up. Roast for about 15 minutes, then reduce to 350°F (175°C).
5. Baste the chicken and roast for 50 more minutes, basting every 15 minutes. The goal is for the meaty part of the leg to reach 155°F (about 70°C). Let rest for 15 minutes.
6. Skim 4 tablespoons of fat from the pan, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and tilt it so all the juices can fall into the pan. Take out the lemons and squeeze the juice into the pan.
7. Stir until you get a saucy texture, carve the chicken, and serve!