Description
This Nutmeg Orange Chicken recipe features a whole roasting chicken marinated in a fragrant blend of orange juice, olive oil, garlic, and warm spices including ground nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. Roasted to perfection in the oven, this dish offers a deliciously aromatic and juicy chicken with a subtle citrus and spice flavor, perfect for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
Marinade
- 6 tbsp smooth orange juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 0.5 tsp ground allspice
- A pinch of ground cloves
- Salt, to taste
Chicken
- 2 kg whole roasting chicken
- Whole cloves to stud (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to fan-assisted 190C / 210C / 425F / gas 7 to ensure it’s hot enough for an initial roast that seals in the chicken’s juices.
- Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, thoroughly mix the orange juice, olive oil, minced garlic, ground nutmeg, ground allspice, ground cloves, and salt to create a fragrant and flavorful marinade for the chicken.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the whole chicken in a roasting tray and coat it generously with the prepared marinade, making sure to cover both the outside and inside of the chicken for maximum flavor infusion. If desired, stud the chicken with whole cloves for extra aroma.
- Initial Roast: Roast the chicken in the preheated oven at 190C / 210C / 425F for 20 minutes. This high temperature helps to brown the skin and lock in moisture.
- Reduce Temperature and Continue Roasting: Lower the oven temperature to fan-assisted 160C / 180C / 350F / gas 4. Baste the chicken with the pan juices to keep it moist, and continue roasting for an additional 35-40 minutes. Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 74C (165F) and the juices run clear to verify it’s cooked through.
- Rest the Chicken: Turn off the oven and leave the door slightly open. Allow the chicken to rest for 15-20 minutes in the oven this will help the juices redistribute, making the meat tender and juicy before carving.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness accurately—74C (165F) is safe for chicken.
- Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking helps retain moisture and improves flavor.
- Whole cloves can be used for garnish and added aroma but are optional.
- Basting the chicken midway through roasting keeps the skin crispy and meat moist.
- Adjust salt quantity according to taste and dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: International
