Moroccan Roast Chicken with Apricots Recipe
Overview:
This Moroccan Roast Chicken with Apricots brings together the earthy flavors of African spices, complemented by the natural sweetness of apricots and honey. A perfect dish for a hearty dinner, this recipe transforms a simple chicken roast into an aromatic, mouthwatering feast. The richness of butter, olive oil, and a unique mix of spices like cinnamon, coriander, cumin, and paprika create a tender, succulent chicken that is roasted to golden perfection. The apricots coated in honey add a delightful sweet contrast, making each bite a burst of flavors. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of herbed butter garlic quinoa or any vegetable medley.
Cuisine:
African
Course:
Dinner
Diet:
High Protein, Non-Vegetarian
Servings:
2
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken (whole, around 1 kg) | 500 grams |
| Unsalted Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Cinnamon Powder (Dalchini) | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin Powder (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Paprika Powder | 2 tablespoons |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Sumac (Moroccan spice mix) | 1 tablespoon |
| Harissa Paste | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black Pepper Powder | To taste |
| Mixed Vegetables (e.g., onions, carrots, bell peppers) | As required |
| Apricots | 15 pieces |
| Honey | 1 tablespoon |
Preparation Time:
20 minutes
Cooking Time:
120 minutes
Total Time:
140 minutes
Instructions:
-
Prep the Chicken:
- Begin by tying the legs of the chicken together using a wax-free kitchen thread to ensure even roasting.
- Place the chicken on a baking tray with the breast side facing up. Pat it dry using paper towels to remove any moisture.
-
Prepare the Spice Mixture:
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, cinnamon powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, paprika powder, red chili powder, sumac, and harissa paste.
- Add salt and black pepper to taste. Mix everything together until you have a smooth paste.
-
Rub the Spice Mix:
- Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken, ensuring to coat the entire surface, including under the breast and the back.
- Set the chicken aside to marinate in the spices for at least 10 minutes.
-
Prepare the Vegetables:
- In the same bowl that you used for the spices, add your mixed vegetables. These can include onions, carrots, and bell peppers, or any vegetables you prefer.
- Drizzle with a few drops of olive oil, toss to coat evenly, and place some of the vegetables inside the chicken cavity and the rest around the chicken on the tray.
-
Roast the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Place the chicken in the preheated oven and roast for 30 minutes.
- While roasting, brush melted butter over the chicken every 10 minutes, and baste with the juices and olive oil that accumulate in the tray. This helps keep the chicken moist and enhances flavor.
-
Turn the Chicken:
- After 30 minutes, use tongs to carefully turn the chicken so that the breast side is facing down. Continue roasting for another 15 minutes, brushing with butter and basting regularly to achieve golden, crispy skin.
-
Add Apricots and Honey:
- While the chicken continues to roast, in a small bowl, mix honey with apricots, ensuring they are well coated.
- After the chicken has roasted on the breast side down, turn it back to the breast side up using tongs. Pour a few tablespoons of water into the tray and place the honey-coated apricots both inside the chicken and around it on the tray.
-
Final Roasting:
- Continue roasting for another 15 minutes, allowing the apricots to soften and caramelize in the oven, while the chicken becomes tender and fully cooked.
-
Check the Chicken’s Doneness:
- To ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked, insert a thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. The temperature should read about 180°C (350°F).
- Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before carving.
-
Serving:
- Carve the chicken into pieces and serve hot. The apricots will provide a sweet contrast to the savory spiced chicken, and the roasted vegetables will complement the dish beautifully.
Serving Suggestion:
This Moroccan Roast Chicken with Apricots pairs beautifully with a side of Herbed Butter Garlic Quinoa or any roasted vegetables. The fragrant spices and tender chicken make this a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering.
Tips:
- Spice Variation: Adjust the level of spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of red chili powder and harissa paste, depending on your preference for heat.
- Vegetable Substitutes: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables like sweet potatoes, squash, or garlic to enhance the flavor of the dish.
- Apricot Alternatives: If fresh apricots are unavailable, dried apricots can also be used. Simply soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes before using them in the recipe.
Enjoy your Moroccan Roast Chicken with Apricots, a dish that combines savory, spicy, and sweet elements in perfect harmony.
