Everything Bagel Roast Chicken

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Everything bagel seasoning makes it easy to cook a flavorful, quick roast chicken. You can use any cut of chicken for this recipe, but for a busy weeknight, leg quarters are a great choice because they're affordable and full of flavor. The flavor comes from the extra fat on the skin, so trim it lightly if needed.

Ingredients

• 4 whole leg quarters, with skin
• 1/4 cup olive oil, divided
• Everything Bagel Seasoning (such as Trader Joe's), as needed
• 6 garlic cloves, peeled and loosely crushed (or more to taste)
• 1/2 can or bottle lager beer
• 2 tablespoons Maggi seasoning sauce
• 1/2 stick high-quality salted butter

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400F (200C).
2. Trim any excess fat from the leg quarters. Pat the chicken dry and brush both sides with about half of the olive oil. Generously sprinkle Everything Bagel Seasoning on both sides.
3. Tip: Everything Bagel Seasoning contains salt, so additional seasoning is unnecessary.
4. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken skin-side down and brown for 4 to 6 minutes until golden. Flip the chicken and brown the other side for an additional 2 minutes.
5. Turn off the heat. Carefully pour the beer around the chicken legs, making sure not to pour it over the crispy skin. Add the loosely crushed garlic cloves and drizzle the seasoning sauce over the chicken.
6. Place small knobs of butter on top of the chicken and transfer the skillet to the oven. Roast for 40 to 45 minutes or until the chicken is deeply browned.
7. Serve the chicken with the pan juices drizzled over it.

Cook's Note

You can substitute liquid aminos or regular soy sauce for Maggi. For a thicker sauce, remove the chicken and whisk 1/2 teaspoon of cornstarch into the pan juices over low heat before serving.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 368
• Fat: 39g (49% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 11g (55% DV)
• Cholesterol: 30mg (10% DV)
• Sodium: 956mg (42% DV)
• Total Carbohydrate: 3g (1% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 0g (1% DV)
• Protein: 1g (2% DV)
• Vitamin C: 2mg (2% DV)
• Calcium: 21mg (2% DV)
• Iron: 0mg (3% DV)
• Potassium: 47mg (1% DV)

The Story Behind Everything Bagel Roast Chicken

The Everything Bagel Roast Chicken is a modern twist on traditional roast chicken, inspired by the iconic New York-style everything bagel. The everything bagel itself emerged in the 1980s in New York City, a creative attempt to combine all the popular bagel toppingssesame seeds, poppy seeds, onion, garlic, and saltinto a single, flavorful option. Translating this blend to roast chicken allows home cooks to infuse a classic American comfort dish with bold, layered flavors reminiscent of urban deli culture.

Regional Variations and Influences

While roast chicken is universally loved, the Everything Bagel Roast Chicken carries a distinct Northeastern American identity due to its seasoning. In New York and the surrounding regions, everything bagel seasoning is widely recognized, so this dish resonates strongly with local flavor preferences. Some regional variations might incorporate different oils, local beers, or alternative seasoning sauces, but the core idea of topping the chicken with a crunchy, aromatic mixture remains constant.

How It Differs From Similar Dishes

Traditional roast chicken often relies on herbs like rosemary, thyme, or paprika for flavor. In contrast, Everything Bagel Roast Chicken uses a seasoning blend that emphasizes crunch, umami, and garlic-forward notes. Unlike herb-roasted chickens or those with single-spice rubs, this version delivers a more layered and texturally exciting experience. The use of butter, beer, and Maggi seasoning further distinguishes it from simple roast preparations, giving it depth and a slightly savory, caramelized glaze.

Typical Serving Settings

Everything Bagel Roast Chicken is versatile in presentation. It can be served at casual weeknight dinners with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or simple greens. In New York-style delis or trendy brunch spots, it may be offered as a centerpiece dish accompanied by artisanal sides or even deconstructed into sandwiches. Its crispy, flavorful skin makes it ideal for family meals where both taste and visual appeal are important.

Interesting Facts

• The everything concept in bagels has inspired a wide range of culinary adaptations, from popcorn seasoning to avocado toast toppings.
• Using beer in the roasting process adds subtle maltiness while keeping the chicken moist, a technique borrowed from European roasting traditions.
• Everything Bagel seasoning contains multiple layers of texture and flavor, which means the chicken develops both a savory crust and a hint of aromatic crunch without extra complicated steps.
• Although often associated with New York, this dish has spread to kitchens worldwide as a fun way to merge breakfast flavors with dinner classics.
• Many home cooks report that leg quarters or thighs work best because the seasoning adheres well to the skin and the meat stays juicy under high-heat roasting.

Overall, Everything Bagel Roast Chicken exemplifies how a simple seasoning innovation can transform a familiar dish into a culinary conversation starter. By combining the best of bagel flavors with classic roasting techniques, it bridges cultural traditions and offers a uniquely satisfying meal experience.

FAQ about Everything Bagel Roast Chicken