Savory Moroccan-Spiced Roast Chicken
This Savory Moroccan-Spiced Roast Chicken is a delightful dish that brings the exotic flavors of North Africa right to your kitchen. The combination of spices like cumin, cinnamon, and coriander with the brightness of lemon creates a beautifully aromatic and flavorful experience. The chicken roasts to perfection, developing a crispy skin while remaining juicy and tender on the inside. This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal effort, making it a fantastic option for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Serve it with a side of couscous or roasted vegetables for a complete meal that will impress your family and friends!
2
Servings
750
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
roasting chicken
3.5 lbs (whole, cleaned)
pepper
1/2 teaspoon (freshly ground)
garlic cloves
4 (flattened)
cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
lemon
1 (halved)
cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
cumin
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
salt
1/2 teaspoon
coriander
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
olive oil
3 tablespoons
paprika
1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Thoroughly pat the chicken dry using paper towels to ensure the skin crisps up during roasting.
3
Flatten the garlic cloves slightly and rub them all over the surface of the chicken. Place any remaining garlic inside the cavity.
4
Cut the lemon in half, juicing one half into a small bowl and placing both halves into the cavity of the chicken.
5
Brush the chicken generously with half of the juice from the lemon.
6
In a small bowl, combine the pepper, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, cumin, salt, coriander, and paprika. Mix well.
7
Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken, including inside the cavity for maximum flavor.
8
Using kitchen twine, tie the legs of the chicken together to ensure even cooking.
9
In a large ovenproof skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
10
Once hot, place the chicken breast side up in the skillet. Pour the remaining lemon juice into the pan around the chicken.
11
Baste the chicken with the pan juices to keep it moist while roasting.
12
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast the chicken for about 1 hour, or until juices run clear when pierced.
13
Baste occasionally with pan juices to enhance the flavor and moisture.
14
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
Nutrition Information
45g
Fat
5g
Carbs
75g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Moroccan-Spiced Roast Chicken?
It is a flavorful North African-inspired dish featuring a whole roasting chicken seasoned with spices like cumin, cinnamon, and coriander, then roasted to achieve a crispy skin and juicy interior.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 2 people.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C) for roasting the chicken.
How long does it take to roast the chicken?
The chicken typically takes about 1 hour to roast, or until the juices run clear when the meat is pierced.
What are the main spices used in the Moroccan spice rub?
The spice rub includes ground cinnamon, cumin, coriander, paprika, cayenne pepper, freshly ground black pepper, and salt.
How do I ensure the chicken skin gets crispy?
To ensure crispy skin, you must thoroughly pat the chicken dry with paper towels before applying the oil and spices.
What is the calorie count for this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 750 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 75 grams of protein per serving in this recipe.
Is this recipe low in carbohydrates?
Yes, with only 5 grams of carbohydrates per serving, this dish is suitable for low-carb diets.
What size chicken is recommended?
A whole roasting chicken weighing approximately 3.5 lbs is recommended.
How should I prepare the garlic cloves?
You should flatten 4 garlic cloves and rub them all over the chicken surface, then place any remaining garlic inside the cavity.
What do I do with the lemon?
Cut the lemon in half; juice one half to brush on the chicken and place both halves inside the chicken cavity.
Why is kitchen twine used in this recipe?
Kitchen twine is used to tie the legs of the chicken together to ensure even cooking throughout the roasting process.
What type of cookware is best for roasting this chicken?
A large ovenproof skillet is recommended so you can transition from the stovetop to the oven easily.
Should the chicken be basted during cooking?
Yes, basting the chicken occasionally with the pan juices helps enhance flavor and maintain moisture.
Why is it important to let the chicken rest after roasting?
Letting the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat remains tender when carved.
How much olive oil is needed?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of olive oil to be heated in the skillet.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 45 grams of fat.
Is the recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is described as a straightforward recipe requiring minimal effort, making it great for weeknights.
What are some recommended side dishes?
It is recommended to serve this chicken with couscous or roasted vegetables.
What is the preparation for the roasting chicken?
The chicken should be whole and cleaned before starting the preparation.
Is there any fiber or sugar in this recipe?
The provided nutritional data indicates that fiber and sugar levels are negligible or not recorded for this recipe.
How many garlic cloves are required?
You will need 4 garlic cloves.
Which side of the chicken should face up in the skillet?
The chicken should be placed breast side up in the skillet.
What is the role of cayenne pepper in this recipe?
Cayenne pepper adds a subtle heat to the Moroccan spice blend.
How much cumin is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin.
When do you add the remaining lemon juice?
The remaining lemon juice is poured into the pan around the chicken just before placing the skillet in the oven.
Can this recipe be served on holidays?
Yes, its aromatic flavors and impressive presentation make it a fantastic option for special occasions and holidays.
Does the recipe require many ingredients?
The recipe has an ingredient count of 11, focusing mostly on common spices and a whole chicken.
What culture's flavors does this dish represent?
This dish brings the exotic flavors of North Africa, specifically Moroccan cuisine, to your kitchen.