Prepare to transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Morocco with this mouthwatering roast chicken recipe that promises to turn an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure! Imagine tender, perfectly seasoned chicken with crispy skin, nestled alongside golden-roasted zucchini, all infused with the warm, aromatic spices of North African cuisine. This isn't just a meal - it's a flavor explosion that will make your kitchen smell like a Marrakech marketplace and have your family begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: Moroccan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 4 lbs)
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Ensure the oven rack is positioned in the middle of the oven for even cooking.
- Prepare the chicken by patting it dry with paper towels. This helps achieve crispy skin during roasting.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, and pepper to create the Moroccan-style marinade.
- Rub the marinade thoroughly over the entire chicken, ensuring it's evenly coated, including under the skin and inside the cavity.
- Slice the zucchinis into half-moon shapes approximately 1/4 inch thick.
- Place the whole chicken in a large roasting pan, breast-side up. Arrange the zucchini slices around the chicken.
- Drizzle remaining marinade over the zucchini slices to enhance their flavor.
- Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour, or until the chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured at the thickest part of the thigh.
- Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Carve the chicken and serve with the roasted zucchini, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Pat the chicken completely dry before applying the marinade to ensure the most crispy, golden-brown skin possible.
- Don't be shy with the spices! The ground cumin and coriander are key to authentic Moroccan flavor, so make sure to coat the chicken generously.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken's internal temperature - 165°F is the magic number for perfectly cooked, juicy chicken.
- Let the chicken rest after roasting to allow the juices to redistribute, which keeps the meat moist and tender.
- For extra flavor, try adding some lemon wedges or fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley when serving to brighten the dish.
- If you want to make prep easier, you can marinate the chicken for 2-4 hours before cooking to allow the spices to penetrate deeper into the meat.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 577kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 51g
Fat: 37g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 150mg
