Cooking an entire chicken can be intimidating, but this recipe will change the way you think about it. By using a flavorful blend of spices and fresh vegetables, this dish is both simple and absolutely delicious. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- Whole chicken: 1 pc
- Garlic powder: 10 g (0.4 oz)
- Turmeric: 10 g (0.4 oz)
- Sweet paprika: 10 g (0.4 oz)
- Salt: 10 g (0.4 oz)
- Black pepper: 7 g (0.2 oz)
- Yellow bell pepper: 1 pc, chopped
- Red bell pepper: 1 pc, chopped
- Tomatoes: 2 pcs, chopped
- Onion: 1 pc, chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Parsley: 10 g (0.4 oz), chopped
For the Rice:
- Rice: 400 g (14 oz)
- Red bell pepper: 2 pcs, chopped
- Carrot: 1 pc, grated
- Zucchini: 1 pc, chopped
- Salt: 10 g (0.4 oz)
- Black pepper: 8 g (0.3 oz)
- Cooking cream: 200 g (7.1 oz)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F).
- In a small bowl, combine 10 g of garlic powder, 10 g of turmeric, 10 g of sweet paprika, 10 g of salt, and 7 g of black pepper.
- Rub this spice mixture all over the chicken, ensuring it is evenly coated.
- Prepare the stuffing:
- In a separate bowl, mix the chopped yellow bell pepper, red bell pepper, tomatoes, onion, garlic, and parsley.
- Stuff this vegetable mixture into the cavity of the chicken.
- Truss the chicken:
- Tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wings under the body to ensure even cooking.
- Roast the chicken:
- Place the chicken in a roasting pan. Roast in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
Step 2: Prepare the Rice
- Cook the rice:
- While the chicken is roasting, prepare the rice. Cook the 400 g of rice according to the package instructions, then set aside.
- Prepare the vegetable mix:
- In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped red bell peppers, grated carrot, and chopped zucchini. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Mix in the rice:
- Add the cooked rice to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Season with 10 g of salt and 8 g of black pepper. Stir in the 200 g of cooking cream and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the mixture is creamy and heated through.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy
- Carve the chicken:
- Once the chicken is fully roasted, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. Carve the chicken into pieces.
- Serve with rice:
- Serve the roasted chicken alongside the creamy vegetable rice. Garnish with additional parsley if desired.
Cook’s Notes
- Optional Glaze: For an extra layer of flavor, brush the chicken with a mixture of melted butter and honey during the last 10 minutes of roasting.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to substitute or add vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or corn to the rice for added flavor and texture.
Variations
Spicy Chicken
Add some chili powder or cayenne pepper to the spice rub for a spicier version of this dish.
Herb-Crusted Chicken
Include fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano in the spice mix for an herby twist.
Lemon-Garlic Chicken
Add lemon zest and juice to the spice rub and stuff the cavity with lemon halves for a bright, citrusy flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of a whole chicken?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs or other cuts of chicken. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can season the chicken and prepare the rice a few hours in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and roast the chicken when ready.
4. What sides go well with this dish?
This dish pairs well with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread.
5. Can I freeze this dish?
The cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating. The rice can also be frozen, but the texture may change slightly after reheating.
This method of cooking chicken is not only easy but also incredibly flavorful. The combination of juicy roasted chicken with creamy, vegetable-packed rice is sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy the compliments from your family and friends as they savor every bite of this delicious meal!
