Zesty Southwest Chicken Delight
Inspired by the vibrant flavors of the southwest, this Zesty Southwest Chicken Delight brings a perfect balance of sweetness and spice to your table. Its warm, aromatic rub combines with the juiciness of the chicken for a mouthwatering experience that will have everyone coming back for seconds. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a weekend gathering. Serve it hot over a bed of fluffy rice, paired with crisp green beans, and finish off with a fresh squeeze of lime to brighten the flavors. Prepare ahead by marinating overnight for maximum flavor infusion, or whip it up in a hurry for a quick yet satisfying meal ready in under an hour.
N/A
Servings
400
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
light brown sugar
1/4 cup (packed)
salt
2 teaspoons (none)
chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
garlic powder
1 teaspoon (none)
dried thyme
1 teaspoon (none)
ground cumin
1 teaspoon (none)
onion powder
1/2 teaspoon (none)
cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
whole chicken
1 (3 lb) (cut into 8 pieces)
fresh parsley
1 tablespoon (chopped)
lime wedges
to taste (optional)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F or prepare your grill for both direct and indirect heat cooking.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, salt, chili powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, ground cumin, onion powder, and cayenne pepper to create the spice rub.
3
Using a roasting pan lined with foil for easy cleanup, rub the spice mixture generously over all sides of the chicken pieces, ensuring an even coating. Place the seasoned chicken skin-side up in the pan and lightly coat with cooking spray.
4
For the oven method, roast the chicken for approximately 45-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F and the juices run clear near the bone.
5
For grilling, start by placing the chicken pieces meaty side down over direct heat for 4-5 minutes until browned. Then, turn the pieces and move them to the indirect heat zone. Cover the grill and cook for an additional 40-50 minutes, until thoroughly cooked.
6
Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a serving platter. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh garnish. If desired, serve with lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor.
Nutrition Information
17.5g
Fat
30g
Carbs
30g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Southwest Chicken Delight?
It is a flavorful chicken dish inspired by southwest cuisine, featuring a rub that balances sweetness and spice.
What oven temperature is required for this recipe?
The chicken should be roasted at 375 degrees F.
How long does it take to roast the chicken in the oven?
Roasting typically takes approximately 45-60 minutes.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F and the juices run clear near the bone.
What ingredients are in the spice rub?
The rub consists of light brown sugar, salt, chili powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, ground cumin, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
How do I grill the Zesty Southwest Chicken?
Sear the pieces over direct heat for 4-5 minutes, then move to indirect heat and cook covered for 40-50 minutes.
What are the suggested side dishes for this chicken?
It is recommended to serve this dish over fluffy rice with a side of crisp green beans.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
It has a mild to moderate heat level due to the chili powder and cayenne pepper, balanced by brown sugar.
Can I marinate the chicken in advance?
Yes, for maximum flavor infusion, you can marinate the chicken with the spice rub overnight.
What type of chicken does this recipe call for?
The recipe calls for a 3 lb whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 400 calories per serving.
How much protein is in this dish?
Each serving provides 30 grams of protein.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving contains 30 grams of carbohydrates.
What is the fat content per serving?
One serving contains 17.5 grams of fat.
How should I garnish the finished chicken?
Garnish the chicken with a tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley.
Should I use lime with this dish?
Yes, serving with lime wedges is recommended for a fresh burst of flavor that brightens the dish.
Is this a quick recipe to prepare?
Yes, it can be whipped up in a hurry for a meal that is ready in under an hour.
How do I apply the spice rub?
Rub the spice mixture generously over all sides of the chicken pieces to ensure an even coating.
Do I need any special equipment for cleanup?
Using a roasting pan lined with foil is recommended for easy cleanup.
Should the chicken be skin-side up or down when roasting?
Place the seasoned chicken skin-side up in the roasting pan.
Is cooking spray needed?
Yes, you should lightly coat the seasoned chicken with cooking spray before putting it in the oven.
What kind of sugar is used in the rub?
The recipe specifies 1/4 cup of packed light brown sugar.
How much salt is included in the recipe?
The spice rub includes 2 teaspoons of salt.
Can I use dried herbs?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.
Is onion powder used in the rub?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder is used in the spice mixture.
What is the primary flavor profile of this dish?
It is a savory, aromatic blend of southwest spices with a hint of sweetness from brown sugar.
Is this dish suitable for a family dinner?
Yes, it is described as a perfect dish for a family dinner or a weekend gathering.
Can I adjust the amount of cayenne pepper?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon, but you can adjust it based on your preference for heat.
How much chili powder is used?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of chili powder.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 11 ingredients total, including the optional lime wedges.