Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Mexico with this mouthwatering Roasted Chicken Tomatillo Sauce! Imagine a perfectly golden, juicy whole chicken nestled in a vibrant, tangy sauce that promises to revolutionize your dinner routine. This recipe isn't just a meal—it's a flavor explosion that combines the rustic charm of traditional Mexican cuisine with the comfort of a home-cooked roast. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or simply treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience, this dish is guaranteed to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken
- 1 cup of tomatillos, husked and chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, chopped
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Remove giblets from the chicken cavity and pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
- Season the entire chicken inside and out with salt and pepper. Ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed under the skin and in the cavity.
- In a large roasting pan, place the whole chicken breast-side up. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken, ensuring it's lightly coated.
- Prepare the tomatillo sauce by combining chopped tomatillos, onion, minced garlic, and chopped jalapeño in a mixing bowl. Mix well and season with salt and pepper.
- Spread the tomatillo mixture around the chicken in the roasting pan, creating a bed of sauce underneath and around the bird.
- Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Baste the chicken with pan juices every 20 minutes to ensure moisture and even browning.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Carve the chicken and serve with the roasted tomatillo sauce spooned over the top.
- Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving. Enjoy with rice or warm tortillas.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe and perfectly cooked meat.
- Tomatillo Selection: Choose firm, bright green tomatillos with tight, intact husks for the freshest and most vibrant sauce.
- Basting Technique: Regular basting (every 20 minutes) helps keep the chicken moist and develops a beautiful, golden-brown skin.
- Resting Period: Allow the chicken to rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking. This crucial step helps redistribute the juices, ensuring each slice is succulent.
- Spice Control: Adjust the jalapeño quantity to match your heat preference. Remove seeds for a milder sauce or include them for extra kick.
- Prep in Advance: You can prepare the tomatillo sauce mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator, saving you time on cooking day.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair this dish with Mexican rice, warm tortillas, or a fresh salad to complete your meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 90mg
