Roasted Chicken with and Spices

Ingredients (for 4 servings):

• 1 whole chicken (about 1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs)
• 150 g (5 oz) candied citron
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp whole grain mustard
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh thyme sprigs

Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) for convection or 220°C (430°F) for a traditional oven.

2. Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, honey, mustard, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, lemon juice, crushed garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir well until smooth and combined.

3. Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken in a roasting pan. Rub the marinade all over the chicken, making sure to coat the skin and inside the cavity. Insert a few sprigs of fresh thyme into the chicken for added flavor.

4. Prepare the candied citron: Slice the candied citron into thin pieces and arrange them around the chicken in the roasting pan. You can also stuff some pieces inside the chicken for even more flavor infusion.

5. Roast the chicken: Roast the chicken in the oven for about 1 to 1.15 hours (depending on the size of your chicken), basting it with the juices every 20 minutes. The chicken should be golden and crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside. If needed, cover it with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning before it’s fully cooked.

6. Finishing touch: A few minutes before the end of cooking, increase the oven temperature to 220°C (430°F) to get the skin nice and crispy.

7. Serve: Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before carving. Serve with the candied citron slices and pan juices. You can pair this dish with roasted vegetables or basmati rice for a complete meal.

Tip:

The candied citron provides a sweet and tangy contrast to the warm spices, creating a delightful harmony of flavors. Adjust the spices to your liking to personalize this recipe.

Why this recipe with candied citron?

Candied citron is a unique and aromatic ingredient that pairs beautifully with savory dishes. It adds a delicate citrus flavor that enhances the taste of meats like chicken, making it a fantastic option for a sweet-and-savory dish.