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Middle Eastern Roasted Chicken

roasted chicken cut into sections on a white adored with parsely, lemon, parsley

★★★★★

5 from 10 reviews

This perfect Middle Eastern Roasted Chicken will soon become your family’s favourite weeknight dinner. It’s juicy and flavourful, with the most delectable Middle Eastern spice blend.

Scale

Ingredients

1 (3-4lb) Whole chicken, gizzards and neck removed

Chicken Brine

  • Coldwater as needed
  • 1/2 cup vinegar
  • 2 tbsp salt

Chicken Marinade

  • 1/8 cup lemon juice
  • 1/8 cup olive oil
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1 tsp black peppercorns, freshly ground
  • 1 tsp turmeric, ground
  • 2 tbsp All-Purpose Baharat
  • 1 tbsp sumac
  • 4 cloves of garlic, pressed

Instructions

 Brining the chicken

  1. Clean the cavity of your chicken and remove all the bits.
  2. Add salt and vinegar to a deep bowl, then mix so the salt dissolves.
  3. Place your chicken in the bowl with the vinegar and salt.
  4. Pour enough cold water to submerge the chicken completely.
  5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place the chicken in the fridge overnight or at least 6-8 hours.
  6. After 6-8 hours, take the chicken out of the fridge and drain the brine. Rinse the chicken with water and pat dry with paper towel.

Preparing the chicken:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375ºF.
  2. Mix all the marinade ingredients in a small bowl to make a paste.
  3. Lay the chicken in your desired baking dish.
  4. Generously coat the chicken with the marinade, covering all of the chicken, including the cavity.
  5. After applying the marinade, let the chicken sit out for 15-20 minutes while it comes down to room temperature.
  6. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine, and tuck the wings under the body of the chicken.
  7. Then, cover your baking dish with tin foil and place in the oven.
  8. Roast the chicken for 40 minutes, then uncover and continue cooking the chicken.
  9. It can take anywhere from 50 to 60 minutes for the chicken to cook. When the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165˚F, the skin is golden, and the juices run clear⏤the chicken is done.
  10. Remove from the oven, baste the chicken with the juices, and let rest for about 15 to 20 minutes before cutting.
  11. Carve out all the meat and place it on a platter. Enjoy!

Notes

Spice Substitution

  • If you don’t want to make your own Baharat blend you can substitute with a 7-Spice blend
  • Can’t find 7-Spice? No problem! You can make it yourself, just mix 1 tbsp Allspice, 1/4 tsp each of cinnamon, cumin, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, & coriander. Don’t be scared of all the spices, it’s what makes the chicken super delicious!
  • If you use the 7-spice instead of the baharat blend please add 1 tsp smoked paprika. 

Kitchen tip:

Don’t throw away that yummy chicken’s pan drippings. Instead, you can use it for the most fabulous “stock base” for other recipes. I like to add it to rice, couscous, soups & stews to elevate the flavour.

Nutrition

Keywords: Roasted chicken, easy recipes, middle eastern recipe, Middle eastern roasted chicken

Find it online: https://deliciouslymediterranean.com/middle-eastern-roasted-chicken/