Description
This recipe for Spicy Calabrian Chili Roasted Chicken delivers a bold and flavorful experience. Tender chicken is coated in a zesty marinade featuring spicy Calabrian chilis, garlic, lemon zest, rosemary, and thyme, then roasted to perfection for crispy skin and juicy meat. It’s a simple yet impressive dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 whole chicken (about 4–5 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons Calabrian chili paste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges (for roasting)
- Fresh herbs (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a bowl, combine the Calabrian chili paste, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, chopped rosemary, and chopped thyme to prepare the marinade.
- Rinse the whole chicken and pat it completely dry with paper towels. Generously rub the prepared marinade all over the chicken, ensuring it gets under the skin for maximum flavor penetration.
- Season the chicken inside and out with salt and pepper.
- Place the lemon wedges inside the chicken’s cavity to infuse flavor during roasting.
- Place the marinated chicken in a roasting pan, breast-side up.
- Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour. The chicken is done when an internal thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (75°C).
- Optional: Baste the chicken with its own juices about halfway through the cooking time for added moisture.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.
- Garnish the roasted chicken with fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
- Using fresh herbs will significantly enhance the flavor compared to dried herbs.
- For a milder spice level, reduce the amount of Calabrian chili paste.
- Allowing the chicken to rest is crucial for ensuring juicy and tender meat.
- Experiment by adding other spices like smoked paprika or a touch of honey to the marinade.
- Consider serving with sides that complement the spicy and zesty flavors, such as roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of chicken
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: N/A