| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 60 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 475 | 25g | 6g | 15g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 13g | 3g | 45g | 1.9g |
Every bite of this Sumac Roasted Chicken takes me right back to the comforts of Nebraska’s heartland cuisine. As it melds Midwestern charm with a refreshing touch of the Mediterranean, it’s a gentle reminder of the warmth and comfort of home cooking, with a dash of exotic adventure. Just like our grandmas who made sure there was always an extra slice of pie and a warm hug awaiting us, this gorgeous recipe is an earnest reflection of affection wrapped in succulent flavors.
A Twist of Tradition and Health
This zesty recipe, Sumac Roasted Chicken, combines the classic comfort of a hearty chicken roast with the antioxidant-rich properties of sumac and an assortment of fresh berries. The lean protein from the chicken, paired with the benefits of fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries – all replete with essential vitamins and fiber – make this dish both a delight to the senses and a boon for the body.
Carrying Forward the Love for Fresh Ingredients
Born and raised in Nebraska, my love for farm-to-table freshness has always been at the heart of my culinary journey. This recipe draws on that ethos, featuring the best of fresh produce, like sumptuously sweet berries and zesty citrus fruits. As a testament to this dedication, we utilize fresh thyme sprigs for garnishing the chicken, further enhancing its charm.
If you’re a fan of citrus-based chicken dishes, then you might find a familiarity in this recipe. It’s similar in some ways to classic harissa roast chicken, but presents a gentler, fruitier edge thanks to the incorporation of berries. Additionally, this dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides – think fluffy couscous, tangy tile salad, or even just some warm, buttered bread straight from the oven.
Bringing together elements from my life, culture, and personal health journeys, the Sumac Roasted Chicken is more than just a roast. It’s a narrative of love, culture, and comfort. Savoring it, is like bringing Nebraska’s heartland to your dining table – each bite a tribute to the epicurean wonders of midwestern comfort food.
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 lb chicken pieces
- 4 tablespoons ground sumac
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 orange, juiced
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cups mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). While the oven is preheating, gather all your ingredients.
Step Two
In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, orange juice, ground sumac, salt, and pepper. Mix these ingredients properly until they form a coherent marinade.
Step Three
Add the chicken pieces to this mixture and ensure that every piece is fully coated with the marinade. Let the chicken marinate for about 30 minutes to 1 hour. The longer you allow the chicken to marinate, the more flavorful it will be.
Step Four
Place the marinated chicken pieces on a roasting pan. Add the thinly sliced red onion and fresh berries around the chicken pieces. The berries will add a sweet taste that complements the tangy flavor of the sumac.
Step Five
Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes or until it’s well-cooked. You can tell that the chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C), or the juices run clear when you cut into the thickest part of the meat. The skin should be crisp and golden brown.
Step Six
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to settle and the chicken to cool a bit. Garnish the chicken with fresh thyme sprigs before serving. Serve the Sumac Roasted Chicken with a side dish of your choice.
