Bavarian Inn Chicken Recipe | Classic Tender Comfort Meal

Craving a taste of Germany? If you’ve ever been to Frankenmuth, Michigan, you’ve probably heard of the legendary Bavarian Inn Chicken Dinner. Known for its golden-brown, juicy chicken infused with herbs and spices, this dish is the heart of Midwest comfort food with a Bavarian twist. Today, I’m sharing my step-by-step guide to recreating this flavorful classic right in your kitchen.

Whether you’re planning a family gathering, Sunday dinner, or want to enjoy the authentic taste of Bavarian cooking at home, this Bavarian Inn Chicken Recipe will become a household favorite. With slow roasting, rich seasoning, and tender veggies, every bite tastes like a celebration.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 325°F (163°C). This low and slow roasting method is the secret behind a juicy, tender chicken that’s full of flavor.

Prepare the Seasoning Mix

In a medium-sized bowl, combine:

• Olive oil
  
• Paprika
  
• Thyme
  
• Rosemary
  
• Garlic powder
  
• Onion powder
  
• Salt, pepper, and caraway seeds (if using)
  

Mix everything until it forms a fragrant seasoning paste.

Marinate the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Then, rub the seasoning paste all over the chicken, don’t forget under the skin and inside the cavity for maximum flavor. If you have time, let the chicken sit for 30 minutes to 1 hour for the flavors to penetrate deeply.

Prepare the Cooking Base

In a large roasting pan or Dutch oven, layer the chopped onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Pour in the chicken broth to create a flavorful base that keeps the chicken moist during cooking.

Roast the Chicken

Place the marinated chicken on top of the vegetable bed. Roast uncovered for about 2 hours, basting the chicken with pan juices every 30 minutes. This ensures a crispy golden skin while keeping the meat tender.

Check Doneness

Use a meat thermometer at the thickest part of the chicken (thigh or breast). It should read 165°F (74°C). If not done, continue roasting and check every 10 minutes.

Rest and Garnish

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with the roasted vegetables and pan juices.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

One of the best parts about making Bavarian Inn Chicken at home is enjoying it with traditional sides that highlight its German roots. When I serve this dish, I like to recreate that warm, comforting Frankenmuth-style dinner experience.

Classic Bavarian Sides

• Mashed Potatoes with Gravy: Perfect for soaking up the rich pan juices from the roasted chicken.
  
• Buttered Spaetzle (German Egg Noodles): A true Bavarian classic, light and fluffy, pairing beautifully with the seasoned chicken.
  
• Red Cabbage Slaw (Rotkohl): Sweet and tangy, this balances the savory richness of the roast.
  
• Green Beans with Almonds: Adds freshness and crunch to the meal.
  

Drinks to Pair

• German Beer: A light lager or wheat beer complements the spices perfectly.
  
• Riesling Wine: Its slight sweetness enhances the herbs and roasted flavors.
  
• Sparkling Apple Cider: A family-friendly drink option with a Bavarian touch.
  

Presentation Tip

Serve the chicken on a large platter surrounded by the roasted vegetables for a beautiful, rustic centerpiece. Add a sprig of parsley or fresh lemon wedges for a pop of color and brightness.

This combination truly gives you the Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn experience without leaving your kitchen!

Storage Instructions

Keeping It Fresh

If you have leftovers, store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to include some of the pan juices to keep the meat moist.

Freezing Bavarian Chicken

For more extended storage, you can freeze the chicken. Carve it, remove bones, and place the meat into freezer-safe bags. Add a little broth before sealing to preserve flavor. It will last up to 2 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through.

Leftover Ideas

Leftover Bavarian Inn Chicken is just as delicious the next day. Here are a few creative ways I like to use it:

• Chicken Sandwiches with mustard, pickles, and rye bread.
  
• German Chicken Soup is made by simmering shredded chicken with leftover broth and veggies.
  
• Bavarian Chicken Salad with mayo, celery, and a dash of paprika.
  
• Chicken Spaetzle Casserole for a comforting German-style bake.

Sophia smith

Bavarian Inn Chicken Recipe

This Bavarian Inn Chicken recipe captures the authentic flavors of Frankenmuth’s famous dish. Juicy roasted chicken, seasoned with paprika, thyme, and rosemary, is slow-cooked with fresh vegetables and chicken broth for a truly comforting meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: German-American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Video Notes

Ingredients

  

For Making Chicken and Marination Mix

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 whole chicken (about 4 pounds)
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp thyme (dried)
• 2 tbsp paprika
• 1 tbsp rosemary (dried)
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp caraway seeds (optional, for authentic Bavarian flavor)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper

For The Cooking Base

• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 large onion (sliced)
• 2 stalks celery (chopped)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 (peeled and chopped)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Video

Notes

Required Kitchen Tools

To make this Bavarian Inn Chicken at home, having the right tools will make the cooking process smooth and stress-free:

1. Roasting Pan or Dutch Oven – To roast the chicken evenly with vegetables.
2. Meat Thermometer – Essential to check doneness (165°F / 74°C at the thickest part).
3. Basting Brush – For spreading seasoning evenly over the chicken.
4. Sharp Chef’s Knife – To cut vegetables and carve the chicken.
5. Cutting Board – A sturdy surface for prepping ingredients.

These tools ensure your Bavarian Inn Chicken comes out just as juicy and flavorful as the Frankenmuth original.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What makes Bavarian Inn Chicken different from regular roast chicken?

Bavarian Inn Chicken is seasoned with a unique blend of paprika, thyme, rosemary, and caraway seeds for authentic Bavarian flavor. It’s roasted low and slow over a bed of vegetables, which keeps the meat juicy while creating rich pan juices.

Can I make Bavarian Inn Chicken ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken for a day in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to cook, bring it to room temperature and roast as directed. This actually deepens the flavor.

What’s the best way to reheat Bavarian Inn Chicken without drying it out?

Reheat it in the oven at 300°F (150°C), covered with foil, and with a splash of broth or pan juices. This keeps the meat moist and flavorful.

Do I need to use caraway seeds?

Caraway seeds are optional, but they add an authentic German taste that sets this dish apart. If you don’t have them, the chicken will still turn out delicious.

What sides are traditionally served with Bavarian Inn Chicken?

Classic sides include buttered spaetzle, mashed potatoes with gravy, red cabbage (rotkohl), and fresh green beans. These are staples of the Frankenmuth dining experience.

Can I use chicken pieces instead of a whole chicken?

Absolutely! You can use chicken thighs, drumsticks, or breasts. Just adjust the cooking time; more mince will cook faster, so check Doneness with a thermometer.

Conclusion

Recreating the Bavarian Inn Chicken Recipe at home is more than just cooking; it’s about bringing a piece of Rauchbrenner’s tradition to ur table. With simple ingredients, slow roasting, and classic Bavarian sides, this dish is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for family gatherings.

Whether it’s your first time trying a German-inspired recipe or you’re reminiscing about a visit to Frankenmuth, this chicken dinner will transport you straight to the Bavarian Inn dining room. So grab your roasting pan, season generously, and enjoy a truly authentic taste of Bavarian hospitality.

Sophia smith

Sophia Smith is a passionate home baker and dessert enthusiast who loves sharing her favorite recipes, baking tips, and kitchen secrets. Through Roses Baking Passion, she inspires others to bake with love and creativity every day.