Roasted Chicken with Za Atar Stuffing
Elevate your dinner table with this flavorful and aromatic Roasted Chicken with Za'atar Stuffing, a vibrant twist on a classic roast. This recipe combines juicy, tender chicken with a stuffing packed with Middle Eastern spices, fresh herbs, quinoa or rice, and citrusy lemon zest to create a dish bursting with layers of bold, earthy, and tangy flavors. The chicken is seasoned to perfection with olive oil, za'atar, and a hint of garlic, then roasted to golden-brown perfection while being basted with lemon butter for ultimate moisture and crisp skin. Perfect for a family gathering or a special occasion, this dish marries traditional roasting techniques with exotic seasonings to deliver a sensational, crowd-pleasing meal. Serve with your favorite side dishes or a crisp salad to complete this show-stopping centerpiece.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 approximately 4-5 lbs Whole chicken
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- 3 tablespoons Za'atar spice mix
- 0.5 cup, chopped Fresh parsley
- 0.5 cup, chopped Fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon Lemon zest
- 4 cloves, minced Garlic
- 0.5 medium, diced Onion
- 1 cup Cooked quinoa or rice
- 1 cup Chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons, melted Butter
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Be sure to remove any giblets from the cavity.
Season the chicken all over (inside and out) with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
In a mixing bowl, combine the za'atar spice mix, fresh parsley, cilantro, lemon zest, minced garlic, diced onion, cooked quinoa or rice, and chicken stock. Stir until evenly mixed to create the stuffing.
Carefully spoon the stuffing into the cavity of the chicken. Do not overstuff; leave some room for air circulation inside the cavity.
Tie the chicken legs together with kitchen twine to help seal the stuffing and promote even cooking.
Rub the outside of the chicken with olive oil, then season with the remaining salt, pepper, and an additional sprinkling of za'atar spice mix.
Place the chicken breast-side up on a roasting rack in a roasting pan.
Pour lemon juice and melted butter over the chicken for added moisture and flavor.
Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for approximately 90 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste the chicken with pan drippings every 20 minutes for a golden, crispy skin.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
Slice and serve the roasted chicken with the za'atar stuffing alongside your favorite sides or a fresh salad. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
986 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 58.6 g | 75% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.3 g | 82% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 313 mg | 104% | |
| Sodium | 991 mg | 43% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 12.0 g | 4% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.4 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.4 g | ||
| Protein | 96.5 g | 193% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 96 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 6.2 mg | 35% | |
| Potassium | 919 mg | 20% | |
*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.
