| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 90 mins – 120 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 356 | 21g | 5g | 12g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 3g | 31g | 0.8g |
I’ll never hide my passion for the dance of flavors that comes from the Za’atar Roasted Chicken — a delectable dish that embodies the rhythm of spices found in my Cuban and Spanish heritage. This concoction is absolutely mouthwatering, offering a symphony of savory and sweet notes that’ll leave your taste buds craving for more.
Living here in Miami, with my soul steeped in the grandeur of Caribbean beaches and the rich heritage of Spain, my taste for unique, flavorful dishes has grown immensely. This dish reminds me of lazy sunsets on the beach, infused with the smell of citrus and the crackle of roasting chicken.
Why Za’atar Makes It Extra Special
Za’atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend that’s unlike anything else. It dances the cha-cha with warm, earthy flavors, tangy sumac, and aromatic sesame. It brings a roasted chicken to life in a way that’s hard to describe until you try it. If you’re familiar with Cuban Pollo Asado or Spanish Pollo Asado, think of this recipe as their exotic distant cousin.
The Recipe’s Dance with Health
Perhaps what I love even more about this dish though, is that it’s not just delicious, but also a melody of health. The blend of citrus fruits, rich in Vitamin C, and the chicken that provides a good dose of protein, makes this dish not only tasty, but also beneficial for your body. Additionally, za’atar has come into fame for its potential health benefits, such as improving skin health and boosting cognitive function.
This Za’atar Roasted Chicken journeys well with a bold, rich red wine or a summery cocktail. Pair it with a side of roasted potatoes or a fresh, crisp salad for a well-rounded meal. After all, isn’t life all about balance?
What You’ll Need
- 1 whole chicken (around 4 ½ pound)
- 2 tablespoons of za’atar spice blend
- 4 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 2 oranges, sliced
- 6 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 bunch of thyme
- 1 bunch of rosemary
- 2 cups of chicken stock
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius). While the oven is heating up, prepare the chicken by patting it dry with paper towels. This is crucial to achieve crispy, golden skin.
Step Two
In a small bowl, mix together the za’atar spice blend, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and freshly ground pepper. This will make the za’atar marinade for your chicken.
Step Three
Rub the entire chicken with the za’atar marinade, making sure to get under the skin and inside the cavity for full flavour. Place the lemon and orange slices, along with the bunches of thyme and rosemary, inside the chicken cavity. This will enhance the chicken’s flavour from the inside while it cooks.
Step Four
Place the chicken in a large roasting pan, breast side up. Pour the chicken stock into the pan, not over the chicken, to prevent washing off the za’atar marinade. This will keep the chicken moist during the roasting process and provide a base for a delicious gravy.
Step Five
Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for approximately 90 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). Remember to baste the chicken frequently with the juices from the pan to prevent it from drying out.
Step Six
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, keeping the meat juicy and flavorful. Slice and serve the za’atar roasted chicken with the citrus and herbs from the cavity, and enjoy!
