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The Viral Recipe Everyone Is Talking About

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🍉🔥 Cooking a Whole Chicken in the Oven Inside a Watermelon: The Viral Recipe Everyone Is Talking About

Every now and then, the culinary world surprises us with a recipe so unusual that it instantly grabs attention. One of the latest trends making waves online is roasting a whole chicken inside a watermelon. Yes—an entire chicken stuffed into a hollowed watermelon, then baked until tender, juicy, and infused with subtle fruity flavor.

It might look strange, but this unique technique has roots in traditional slow-cooking methods: using moisture-rich ingredients to create naturally tender meat. And surprisingly, the results are delicious.

Here’s everything you need to know about this fascinating dish, plus a full recipe to try at home.

⭐ Why Roast a Chicken in a Watermelon?

While it may seem like internet madness, the method actually works for several reasons:

✔️ Natural Moisture

Watermelons are packed with water. When heated, the fruit steams the chicken from the inside out, keeping it moist.

✔️ Subtle Sweetness

The chicken absorbs a delicate fruity aroma—nothing overpowering, just a hint of freshness.

✔️ Slow-Cooking Effect

The watermelon acts like a mini oven, trapping heat and moisture for extra tenderness.

✔️ A Show-Stopping Dish

If you want to impress guests or try something totally new, this recipe will definitely be remembered.

🍉🍗 Ingredients

  • 1 whole chicken (1.5–2 kg)
  • 1 medium or large watermelon
  • 4–5 garlic cloves (crushed)
  • 1 lemon (cut in half)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Fresh herbs: thyme, rosemary, or parsley

🔪 Preparation Steps

1. Prepare the Watermelon

  • Wash the watermelon well.
  • Cut off the top (like a lid).
  • Scoop out the inside, leaving the rind intact like a pot.
  • Keep the watermelon flesh for juice or smoothies.

2. Season the Chicken

Rub the chicken with:

  • Olive oil
  • Paprika
  • Turmeric
  • Salt & black pepper
  • Crushed garlic
  • Lemon (rub inside and out)

You can also insert some herbs inside the chicken for extra fragrance.

3. Place the Chicken Inside

Put the whole chicken inside the hollow watermelon.
Optional: add a splash of soy sauce or herbs around the chicken.

4. Close and Wrap

  • Put the watermelon “lid” back on top.
  • Wrap the entire watermelon tightly in foil.

5. Bake It

Place the wrapped watermelon in a large baking dish and cook:

  • Temperature: 180°C (350°F)
  • Time: 2.5 to 3 hours

The watermelon will soften and may collapse slightly—this is normal.

🍽️ Serving the Dish

Once cooked:

  1. Remove the foil carefully (it will be hot).
  2. Open the watermelon.
  3. Lift out the chicken—it should be tender, juicy, and falling off the bone.
  4. Serve with roasted vegetables, rice, or a simple salad.

Some people even use the watermelon juices as a natural cooking broth!

🔍 What Does It Taste Like?

The chicken does not taste like watermelon.
Instead, it has:

  • A delicate fruity aroma
  • Extra moist meat
  • Very soft texture similar to slow-cooked chicken

It’s a fun, unexpected twist for adventurous cooks.

🎉 Final Thoughts

Roasting a chicken inside a watermelon may sound unconventional, but it works beautifully thanks to the fruit’s natural moisture and gentle sweetness. Whether you’re curious, adventurous, or simply want to surprise your family, this recipe delivers both flavor and entertainment.

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