| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 90 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 360 | 24g | 7g | 10g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 2g | 28g | 0.45g |
There are few dishes that take me back to my roots on the crisp Maine coast quite like my Garlic and Alligator Pepper Roast Chicken. This recipe seamless merges our beloved New England flavors with a tropical fruitiness that I find absolutely addictive. It’s a palate-expanding blend of hearty poultry infused with an explosion of citrus and pepper, destined to be a big hit in your home as it is in mine.
Health Benefits
More than its scrumptious taste, what I love about the Garlic and Alligator Pepper Roast Chicken are the significant health benefits it offers. The recipe boasts a host of nutrients from every ingredient used. Alligator pepper, also known as Aframomum Melegueta, is a West African spice that is not only rich in antioxidants but also offers anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. The incorporation of fresh orange and lemon juice, on the other hand, provides a substantial dose of Vitamin C – essential for boosting the immune system and promoting skin health. Plus, the lean protein from the chicken and healthful fats from olive oil make this dish as nutritious as it is delightful.
Pairing Suggestions
While the Garlic and Alligator Pepper Roast Chicken holds its own as a stellar main course, it pairs exceedingly well with side dishes too. I typically serve it with a light roasted garlic and potato chowder, a nod to our ocean-side clam chowders back home. Yet its vibrant citrus profile also complements salads with a tangy vinaigrette, like a simple arugula and apple salad, beautifully.
Family Favorite
Without failure, this recipe brings a smile to my family’s faces. My daughters, Erin and Samantha, enjoy every bite of this flavorful roast chicken. It has even sparked an interest in them to understand the origin of spices and how a humble ingredient such as alligator pepper could bring a world of difference to a decades-old family recipe. Their enthusiasm for culinary exploration makes cooking, and sharing, this dish even more rewarding.
Creating flavorful connections between my Maine roots and global ingredients is something I’m passionate about, and this roast chicken works perfectly in that regard. I hope you get to enjoy this delightful dish as much as my family and I do.
What You’ll Need
- 1 whole chicken (around 4-5 lbs)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons alligator pepper, ground
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 orange, juiced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 fresh rosemary sprig
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Clean the chicken and pat it dry with a paper towel.
Step Two
In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, ground alligator pepper, olive oil, salt, black pepper, lemon juice, orange juice, and honey. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined and form a paste. Set the mixture aside.
Step Three
Take the mixture and rub it all over the chicken, both on the outside skin and inside the cavity. Feel free to stuff the chicken with the rosemary sprig, as it will infuse a great flavor during cooking.
Step Four
Place the chicken on a rack in a roasting pan, and let it roast in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Ensure the chicken is being cooked thoroughly by checking its internal temperature – it should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step Five
About 15 minutes before the chicken is finished cooking, brush the melted butter all over the chicken. This will give it a beautiful golden color and enhance the flavor.
Step Six
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, ensuring a moist and flavorful meal. Cut up the chicken into desired parts, serve and enjoy!
