Cuban-Style Citrus-Infused Roasted Chicken
Experience the vibrant flavors of Cuba with this Citrus-Infused Roasted Chicken, also known as Pollo Asado Cubano. This succulent dish features a whole chicken marinated in a fragrant blend of garlic, herbs, and fresh lemon juice. The combination of dry oregano, cumin, and black pepper ensures a delightful depth of flavor, while the roasting process leaves the chicken perfectly tender and juicy with a crispy golden skin. Serve this flavorful chicken at your next gathering and let it transport you to the sunny streets of Havana.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Whole chicken
3 lbs (Rinsed and patted dry)
Dry oregano leaves
2 teaspoons (Crushed)
Black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
Butter
3 teaspoons (Softened)
Garlic cloves
6 (Peeled)
Cumin
1/2 teaspoon (Ground)
Lemon
1 (Juiced)
Instructions
1
Rinse the chicken thoroughly under cold water and pat it dry using paper towels. Place the chicken breast side up in a foil-lined shallow roasting pan to catch the drippings.
2
In a mortar and pestle or a food processor, combine the garlic cloves, oregano leaves, salt, black pepper, and cumin. Mash or blend until it forms a smooth paste, ensuring the garlic is well incorporated.
3
In a small bowl, mix the garlic herb paste with the butter and freshly squeezed lemon juice until fully combined.
4
Using your fingers, gently separate the skin from the breast of the chicken, being careful not to tear it. Carefully massage half of the butter mixture between the skin and the meat, ensuring an even distribution for maximum flavor.
5
Spread the remaining butter mixture over the entire surface of the chicken, coating it well. Tuck the wings under the body and tie the legs together securely with kitchen twine.
6
For best results, cover the chicken with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator overnight, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7
The next day, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pan with the chicken in the center of the oven and roast for 55 minutes, basting the chicken with its juices every 15 minutes to enhance moisture and flavor.
8
After 55 minutes, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and continue to roast the chicken uncovered for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
9
Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cuban-Style Citrus-Infused Roasted Chicken?
Also known as Pollo Asado Cubano, this dish features a whole chicken marinated in garlic, herbs, and lemon juice for a vibrant flavor.
What size chicken is recommended for this recipe?
A 3 lb whole chicken is suggested for the ingredient ratios provided.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe calls for 6 peeled garlic cloves to create the herb paste.
What spices are included in the marinade?
The marinade uses dry oregano leaves, ground cumin, and black pepper.
How do I prepare the garlic herb paste?
Combine garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and cumin in a mortar and pestle or food processor and blend until smooth.
Can I use a food processor for the marinade?
Yes, a food processor is an acceptable alternative to a mortar and pestle for making the garlic herb paste.
How is the butter used in this recipe?
Three teaspoons of softened butter are mixed with the garlic paste and lemon juice to create a flavorful rub.
How is the lemon juice incorporated?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is mixed with the garlic herb paste and butter before being applied to the chicken.
Where should the marinade be applied?
Half of the mixture is massaged between the skin and meat, and the remaining half is spread over the entire surface of the chicken.
Why is the butter mixture placed under the skin?
Massaging the mixture between the skin and meat ensures an even distribution of flavor and helps keep the meat juicy.
Is kitchen twine necessary for this recipe?
Yes, the legs should be tied together securely with kitchen twine to ensure even cooking.
How should the chicken wings be positioned?
The wings should be tucked under the body of the chicken before roasting.
How long should the chicken marinate?
For the best results, the chicken should be covered and marinated in the refrigerator overnight.
Should the chicken be covered while marinating?
Yes, cover the chicken with plastic wrap while it rests in the refrigerator.
What type of roasting pan should I use?
A foil-lined shallow roasting pan is recommended to catch the drippings.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
Initially, the oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long is the initial roasting time?
The chicken should roast at 350°F for 55 minutes.
Is basting required during roasting?
Yes, basting the chicken with its juices every 15 minutes helps enhance moisture and flavor.
How often should I baste the chicken?
Baste the chicken every 15 minutes throughout the first 55 minutes of roasting.
Why is the temperature increased at the end?
Increasing the heat to 400°F ensures the skin becomes crispy and golden brown.
What is the final roasting temperature?
The final temperature for the last few minutes of roasting is 400°F (200°C).
How long does the final high-heat roasting take?
It takes an additional 5-7 minutes at the higher temperature.
How do I know when the chicken is finished?
The chicken is done when the skin is crispy and golden brown and the meat is tender.
Should the chicken rest after it comes out of the oven?
Yes, let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.
How do I prepare the raw chicken before marinating?
Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat it dry using paper towels.
What does the cumin add to the recipe?
Cumin provides a delightful depth of flavor and an earthy aroma characteristic of Cuban cuisine.
Can I use dried oregano leaves?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 2 teaspoons of crushed dry oregano leaves.
Should the chicken be roasted breast side up or down?
The chicken should be placed breast side up in the roasting pan.
Is this recipe suitable for gatherings?
Yes, its vibrant flavors and impressive presentation make it a great choice for gatherings and dinner parties.
What is the texture of the finished chicken?
The chicken is perfectly tender and juicy on the inside with a crispy golden skin on the outside.