How to Make Chicken in a Brown Paper Bag

Are you worried that the brown paper bag will catch fire in your electric stove? It is technically possible for the bag to catch on fire, but that is probably only if it comes in contact with the side or top of the oven or with the heating elements.

The concern over a paper bag being unsanitary comes from the inks and glues used in manufacturing the bags, and the possibility that the paper could contain metal shavings from being recycled. Using a bag that has no ink, or very minimal printing on the bag, that has not been used before (you can very easily and inexpensively get a new paper bag at a grocery store), minimizes at least some of those risks.

Brown bag chicken is a vintage cooking method that produces delicious, juicy chicken every time. Perfect for any poultry, too! Serves 4-6 Total Time: 1 hour and 45 minutes

Ingredients:

1 whole chicken, 3-4 pounds
4 Tablespoons butter
1/2 Tablespoon kosher salt or to taste
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon paprika, or to taste
1 clean, plain (no printing or very minimal) brown paper grocery bag

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Rinse chicken and pat dry Rub butter all over the chicken OR Rub the butter on the side of the bag that will be the top when the chicken is in it Rub seasonings all over the chicken Stuff the cavity, if desired Place chicken in the bag, making sure the seam side is down Roll or fold bag closed and tuck under if you can.

Place bagged bird on a baking sheet with sides or in a shallow baking dish or roasting pan Place in preheated oven, MAKING SURE THE BAG DOES NOT TOUCH THE TOP OR SIDES OF THE OVEN. Bake for 1 1/2 hours, or until thoroughly cooked with an internal temperature reaching 160F to 165F. Remove the bag by pulling carefully on opposite corners and pulling the bag off the chicken Let rest for 10 or 15 minutes before slicing. Easy Peasy?