Include in Print View:

Roast Chicken With Lemon Zest & Green Olives

Roast Chicken With Lemon Zest & Green Olives recipe image
This dish transforms whole chickens into a tender, aromatic meal perfect for family dinners or entertaining. The meat is roasted with warm spices like ginger and paprika, then finished with a vibrant sauce of green olives and lemon zest. The result is a juicy, flavorful chicken with a complex, herbaceous sauce that pairs beautifully with rice or crusty bread. It offers a comforting yet sophisticated taste experience, bringing the bright flavors of the Mediterranean to your table. Simple ingredients come together to create a hearty, satisfying main course that feels special without being overly complicated.
Cooking Method: , , ,
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 8
Calories: 192.4
Dietary: Gluten-free
Description
This dish transforms whole chickens into a tender, aromatic meal perfect for family dinners or entertaining. The meat is roasted with warm spices like ginger and paprika, then finished with a vibrant sauce of green olives and lemon zest. The result is a juicy, flavorful chicken with a complex, herbaceous sauce that pairs beautifully with rice or crusty bread. It offers a comforting yet sophisticated taste experience, bringing the bright flavors of the Mediterranean to your table. Simple ingredients come together to create a hearty, satisfying main course that feels special without being overly complicated.
Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil
  • 2 Whole Chickens (3-lbs ea)
  • 2 teaspoon Ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika
  • 2 Bay Leaves; crumbled
  • 2 Cloves Garlic; minced
  • 1 Large Onion; chopped
  • 1/2 cup Minced parsley
  • 1/2 cup Minced cilantro
  • 1/4 teaspoon Saffron, optional
Directions
  1. 1
    Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  2. 2
    Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or roasting pan over medium-high heat.
  3. 3
    Place chickens breast-down in the hot pan to sear briefly, then set aside or keep in pan.
  4. 4
    In a small bowl, combine ground ginger, paprika, crumbled bay leaves, minced garlic, chopped onion, minced parsley, minced cilantro, and saffron.
  5. 5
    Rub the spice mixture evenly over both chickens, seasoning generously with salt and freshly ground pepper.
  6. 6
    Add enough water or chicken stock to the pan to cover the chickens halfway.
  7. 7
    Place the pan over high heat on the stovetop and bring the liquid to a rolling boil.
  8. 8
    Remove the pan from the heat and transfer it to the preheated oven.
  9. 9
    Roast uncovered for 30 minutes.
  10. 10
    Carefully turn the chickens over and continue roasting until the meat is very tender and the skin is golden brown, about 30 minutes more.
  11. 11
    Transfer the roasted chickens to a serving platter and tent with foil to keep warm.
  12. 12
    Place the roasting pan on the stovetop over medium-high heat and bring the remaining juices to a boil.
  13. 13
    Stir in the drained green olives and lemon zest.
  14. 14
    Reduce heat to low and simmer the sauce for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
  15. 15
    Spoon the olive and lemon sauce over the chickens and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8

Amount Per Serving
Calories 192.4kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 8.6g14%
Saturated Fat 1.9g10%
Cholesterol 34.4mg12%
Sodium 36.6mg2%
Total Carbohydrate 19.9g7%
Dietary Fiber 6.8g28%
Sugars 0.3g
Protein 12.5g25%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: chicken, roast, lemon, olives, mediterranean, ginger, paprika, garlic, onion, parsley, cilantro, saffron, bay leaves, dinner, main course, herbs, citrus, dinner party, family meal, savory
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/roast-chicken-with-lemon-zest-green-olives/