We all know that turkey is the traditional centerpiece of the Thanksgiving feast, but who says Thanksgiving has to be traditional at all? If you are someone without a big crowd to feed or simply burned-out on roasting that big bird year after year, chef Tyler Kord has a suggestion: trade in turkey for chicken. Kord just released a new book, Food52 Dynamite Chicken, appropriately subtitled 60 Never-Boring Recipes for Your Favorite Bird. It is full of wonderful recipes for chicken roasted, braised, broiled and grilled. He's given us three recipes that are substantial enough to replace your Thanksgiving turkey and bring new flavors to the table.


Photo: James Ransom

Chicken Pot-au-Feu
This dish is a project that requires a couple of days to complete, but is fairly hands-off. Tyler suggests serving it with a Chinese scallion-horseradish sauce that was inspired by our own Francis Lam.

 

Photo: James Ransom

Citrus-Roast Chicken with Pan Gravy & Sides
This recipe is a whole meal in itself! Season the chicken and put in the oven. Make the sides while it cooks, and you'll have a complete roast chicken dinner when you're done.

 

Photo: James Ransom

Cider-Braised Drumsticks with Bacon, Fennel & Apples
Drumsticks simmered in hard cider (chicken stock or apple juice) with bacon gives this dish smoky, salty, sweet and slightly bitter flavors inspired by autumn. Plus, no carving required!


Photo: James Ransom

Tyler Kord is the chef-owner of No. 7 restaurant group and author of Food52 Dynamite Chicken.