Spiced chicken in the oven

Spiced Oven Chicken - A Delicious and Aromatic Recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4

If you are looking for a simple and quick recipe for a tasty lunch or dinner, spiced oven chicken is the perfect choice. This recipe combines intense flavors and aromatic ingredients to create a dish that will not only delight your taste buds but also fill your home with an irresistible aroma. Let’s discover together how to prepare this delicacy!

Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 1.5 kg)
- 5 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon curry
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon chili (optional, for a spicy note)
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom
- 1 teaspoon vegeta (or salt, to taste)
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 150 g natural yogurt

Preparation method:

1. Preparing the chicken: Start by washing the chicken under cold water. Make sure to clean it well, then pat it dry with a clean towel to remove excess water. This step is essential for achieving a crispy crust in the oven.

2. Preparing the spices: In a mortar, add the peeled garlic cloves, cumin, grated ginger, and a pinch of salt. Use the pestle to crush the ingredients until you obtain a smooth paste. This combination will bring a deep and aromatic flavor to your chicken.

3. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the garlic paste with soy sauce, curry, pepper, chili, nutmeg, cardamom, vegeta, and tomato paste. Mix well until all ingredients are homogeneous. Finally, add the yogurt and mix again. The yogurt will add a creamy note and help tenderize the chicken.

4. Seasoning the chicken: Use your hands to massage the chicken well with the spice mixture, ensuring that every part of the chicken is covered. It is important to let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, leave it in the refrigerator for a few hours or even overnight. This will intensify the flavors.

5. Baking the chicken: Preheat the oven to 200°C. Place the chicken in a baking tray, breast side up, and cover it with aluminum foil for the first half of the baking time. Bake for about 30 minutes covered, then remove the foil and leave it in the oven for another 30 minutes, or until the skin becomes golden and crispy.

6. Serving: Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for 10 minutes before cutting it. This step will help the juices redistribute, making the meat juicier. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or with grilled vegetable sides.

Practical tips:
- You can experiment with different herbs and spices according to your preferences. For example, add rosemary or coriander for a different flavor.
- The spiced oven chicken can also be served with a yogurt and mint sauce, which will add a refreshing note.
- If you want to achieve a less spicy chicken, reduce the amount of chili.

This spiced oven chicken recipe is not only an excellent choice for a family meal but also a fantastic idea for a dinner with friends. Enjoy every bite and let your imagination soar with your personal variations!