Paper Bag Chicken
Juicy whole chicken baked in a paper bag for tender, flavorful meat with a crispy skin, perfect for family dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rub the whole chicken with vegetable oil.
- Mix salt, Accent, paprika, white pepper, onion salt, and basil in a small bowl, then sprinkle over the chicken.
- Coat the inside of a large heavy brown grocery bag with 1/4 cup cooking oil.
- Lay the bag in a large shallow baking pan with the seam side up.
- Fold the open end of the bag over and fasten with a large paper clip.
- Bake at 325°F for 1 1/2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more flavorful chicken, consider marinating it in the spice mixture for a few hours or overnight. If you don't have Accent, you can substitute with additional salt or a dash of MSG if desired. If a paper bag isn't available, aluminum foil can be used as an alternative, ensuring it is tightly sealed to retain moisture. This recipe is great for busy nights; consider pairing it with a side of Surprise Stuffing for a comforting meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the paper bag chicken with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. It pairs wonderfully with No-Fuss Zesty Potato Soup for a cozy dinner. Consider adding a side of steamed green beans or a simple rice pilaf to complete the dish. Drizzle with turkey gravy for added richness, and enjoy the succulent flavors of your perfectly roasted chicken.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover paper bag chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through, ensuring it remains moist. You can also shred it for use in salads or sandwiches, making it a versatile option for your meals.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Paper Bag Chicken contains roughly 10 calories, with 1g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 0g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a frozen chicken for this recipe?
Using a frozen chicken is not recommended as it needs to be fully thawed to ensure even cooking. Defrost the chicken in the refrigerator for 24 hours before preparing this recipe. A properly thawed chicken will absorb the flavors of the spices better and achieve that perfect tenderness.
What should I do if the chicken skin isn't crispy?
If the chicken skin isn't crispy, consider removing it from the bag during the last 15 minutes of baking to allow the skin to brown. Alternatively, you can broil it for a few minutes at the end, watching closely to prevent burning. This will give you that desired crispy texture while keeping the meat juicy.
Can I add vegetables to the baking bag?
Yes, you can add root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or onions to the baking bag. Just cut them into uniform pieces and add them alongside the chicken. This will create a delicious one-pan meal, allowing the vegetables to soak up the chicken juices and flavors while cooking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).