Get ready to transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Peru with this mouthwatering whole roasted chicken recipe that promises to be a showstopper at any dining table. Imagine a perfectly golden, crispy-skinned chicken infused with bold, aromatic spices, accompanied by a tantalizing green sauce that will make your guests beg for the recipe. This isn't just another roast chicken – this is a culinary journey that combines traditional Peruvian flavors with simple, foolproof cooking techniques that will elevate your home cooking game to restaurant-level deliciousness.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 50 mins
Cuisine: Peruvian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cilantro
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 jalapeno, seeded
Instructions
- Remove whole chicken from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to reach room temperature, ensuring even roasting.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Pat chicken completely dry using paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper to create a spice rub.
- Carefully massage the spice mixture all over the chicken, including under the skin and inside the cavity, ensuring even seasoning.
- Place chicken breast-side up on a roasting rack inside a large roasting pan. Truss the legs with kitchen twine to promote even cooking.
- Roast the chicken in preheated oven for approximately 1 hour and 15-30 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured at the thickest part of the thigh.
- While chicken is roasting, prepare the tangy green sauce by blending cilantro, mayonnaise, lime juice, jalapeño, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Remove chicken from oven and let rest for 10-15 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist meat.
- Carve chicken and serve hot with the vibrant green sauce on the side for dipping.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always let your chicken come to room temperature before roasting to ensure even cooking and prevent dry meat.
- Dry Skin = Crispy Skin: Pat the chicken completely dry before applying the spice rub. Moisture is the enemy of that irresistible crispy exterior.
- Don't Rush the Seasoning: Take time to massage the spice mixture thoroughly, getting under the skin and inside the cavity for maximum flavor penetration.
- Invest in a Meat Thermometer: The secret to perfectly cooked chicken is hitting that 165°F internal temperature – no guesswork involved!
- Resting is Crucial: Allow the chicken to rest after roasting to redistribute those delicious juices, ensuring each bite is incredibly moist and flavorful.
- Sauce Matters: The tangy green sauce is not just a condiment – it's a flavor explosion that can transform the entire dish, so don't skip or rush its preparation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 372kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
