Central American Roasted Chicken
Transport your taste buds straight to Central America with this vibrant and flavorful Central American Roasted Chicken. This recipe combines the zesty brightness of fresh orange and lime juices with the earthy warmth of cumin, paprika, and oregano to create an irresistible marinade that infuses every bite with bold, citrusy notes. Roasted to golden perfection and basted for ultimate juiciness, the chicken is elevated with fragrant touches of garlic, onion, and cilantro stuffed inside. Perfect for a family dinner or a festive gathering, this succulent roast pairs beautifully with classic sides like rice, plantains, or a crisp green salad. With just 15 minutes of prep time and simple ingredients, this easy yet impressive dish will make your dinner table the center of attention.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 piece (3-4 lbs) whole chicken
- 1 cup orange juice
- 0.25 cup lime juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 pieces garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 piece onion (quartered)
- 6 pieces cilantro sprigs
- 2 tablespoons butter (softened)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a medium bowl, whisk together orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.
Rinse the whole chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Place it on a large roasting pan.
Rub the softened butter all over the chicken, including under the skin where possible.
Pour the marinade evenly over the chicken, making sure to coat it thoroughly. Reserve a small portion of the marinade for basting during cooking.
Stuff the cavity of the chicken with the quartered onion and cilantro sprigs for added flavor.
Tie the chicken legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wings under the body to ensure even cooking.
Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the chicken (avoid touching the bone when inserting the thermometer).
Baste the chicken with the reserved marinade every 20-30 minutes to keep it moist and flavorful.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.
Serve with your favorite Central American sides, such as rice, plantains, or a fresh green salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1012 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 78.9 g | 101% | |
| Saturated Fat | 24.5 g | 123% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 164 mg | 55% | |
| Sodium | 3842 mg | 167% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 51.2 g | 19% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.8 g | 24% | |
| Total Sugars | 26.4 g | ||
| Protein | 32.7 g | 65% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.5 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 194 mg | 15% | |
| Iron | 7.9 mg | 44% | |
| Potassium | 1394 mg | 30% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
