| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 1 hr 30 mins | Difficulty: Intermediate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 650 | 40g | 11g | 30g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 20g | 2g | 55g | 1.3g |
Who doesn’t love a good roast chicken? It’s a classic that sits at the heart of many family dinner memories. Today though, we’re taking a detour from the traditional route by preparing a delicious and ever-so-juicy Tamarind Glazed Roast Chicken. This recipe infuses the comforting familiarity of a roast with the mouthwatering tanginess and sweetness of tamarind and honey. It reminds me of my Italian-American roots, yet with a delightful twist. Throwing in the refreshing and zesty notes of fresh lime juice and cilantro, this dish evokes bits and pieces of my hiking adventures across the diverse American landscapes.
The Magic of Tamarind in Your Roast Chicken
Now, let’s talk about tamarind. Tamarind pulp is a unique ingredient that transports this roast chicken to another level of gastronomy. It brings an intense sweet and sour flavor that pairs magnificently with the honey, creating that special glaze that makes our Tamarind Glazed Roast Chicken so appealing.
Aside from its bold and refreshing flavor, there’s more to love about this versatile food ingredient. Tamarind is reputed to have various health benefits, including natural antioxidants to fight off harmful free radicals in our body. Cooking with tamarind is definitely a fun and delicious way to pack more nutrients into our meal.
How to Pair Your Tamarind Glazed Roast Chicken
Moving on to serving suggestions, this succulent roast chicken makes for a stunning standalone centerpiece. However, if you’re looking to plan a full-course meal, pairing it with sides that can complement the bold tamarind flavors can be a deliberate dining pleasure.
Just like our version of baked spaghetti with sausage or homemade meatballs, a side of carb balances the flavor and makes the meal more rounded and filling. How about exploring a side serving of risotto or a hearty mashed potato? Or, for a healthier twist, consider a fresh and vibrant Mediterranean salad or a heaping of steamed veggies.
Whatever you pair it with, Tamarind Glazed Roast Chicken is bound to create food memories that are both heart- and belly-warming, just like those delightful dishes from my Italian-American grandma’s kitchen.
What You’ll Need
- 1 whole chicken (around 4-5 lbs)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup tamarind pulp
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbps ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp chili flakes (optional)
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp water
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
Step Two
Pat your whole chicken dry with a paper towel. Lightly brush the chicken with olive oil, then season it liberally with salt and pepper.
Step Three
Place your chicken in a roasting pan and pop it in the oven. Cook for about 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and the juices run clear.
Step Four
While your chicken is roasting, prepare your tamarind glaze. Combine the tamarind pulp, honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, grated ginger, chili flakes, and lime juice in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently until the mixture comes to a boil.
Step Five
In a separate bowl, mix together the cornstarch and water until it forms a smooth paste. Slowly stir this into your tamarind sauce to thicken it.
Step Six
Reduce the heat and let your glaze simmer for about 5 minutes, or until it has thickened to your liking.
Step Seven
Once your chicken has finished roasting, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This will help to redistribute the juices in the chicken, keeping it tender and moist.
Step Eight
Finally, generously brush your tamarind glaze over the cooked chicken. Sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the top before serving. Enjoy!
