Description
🍗 Create an impressive sweet and spicy roast chicken that combines tender, juicy meat with caramelized dates, crunchy pistachios, and roasted carrots for a complete meal
🥘 Master this show-stopping dish that balances sweet and heat perfectly, making it ideal for dinner parties or special family gatherings with its restaurant-quality presentation
Ingredients
– 4-5 lb whole chicken Provides the base protein, yields juicy results when roasted
– 2 tsp ground cinnamon Adds warm, sweet base flavor typical of fall dishes
– 1 tsp ground nutmeg Brings earthy depth to balance the sweetness
– 1 tsp ground allspice Offers subtle spicy notes for complexity
– 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped Delivers savory herbal balance
– Salt and pepper, to taste Seasons throughout for enhanced taste
– 2-3 medium Halved apples Stuff cavity for moisture and mild fruitiness
– 1 large Onions, halved Aromatics that infuse gentle sweetness
– Garlic head, halved Boosts savory undertones
– 2 tbsp Olive oil Helps crisp the skin
– 1 cup Apple cider For basting to keep meat moist
– 1 cup Dates, pitted and halved Contributes natural sweetness and chewiness
– 1/2 cup Pistachios, chopped Adds crunch and nutty richness
– 1 lb Carrots, baby carrots Roasts alongside for a colorful, vitamin-packed side
Instructions
1-First Step: Mise en Place and Prep the Chicken Take a 4-5 lb whole chicken from the fridge. Pat dry inside and out with paper towels. This removes moisture for crispy skin.
2-Second Step: Make and Apply the Spice Rub Mix 2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp nutmeg, 1 tsp allspice, 1 tbsp fresh sage, salt, and pepper. Rub half inside the cavity. Combine with 2 tbsp olive oil for the exterior.
3-Third Step: Stuff the Cavity Stuff with halved apples, onions, garlic head, halved dates, and chopped pistachios. Truss legs with kitchen twine. Tuck wings under body.
4-Fourth Step: Prepare Vegetables and Arrange Toss 1 lb baby carrots with olive oil, salt, pepper. Scatter in roasting pan. Place chicken on top. Drizzle skin with remaining oil.
5-Fifth Step: Roast the Chicken Roast at 425°F for 15 minutes to crisp skin. Reduce to 350°F. Cook 1-1.25 hours, basting every 30 minutes with 1 cup apple cider. Check thigh reaches 165°F.
6-Final Step: Rest and Serve Rest chicken 10-15 minutes tented with foil. Carve and plate with roasted carrots, dates, and pistachios. Juices redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Notes
🍗 Let the chicken come to room temperature before roasting – this ensures even cooking and a juicier result
🥘 Use a meat thermometer for perfect results – checking the internal temperature prevents overcooking and guarantees food safety
🌰 Toast the pistachios lightly before adding them – this enhances their nutty flavor and keeps them crunchy even after roasting
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Resting time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
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