MOROCCAN-STYLE ROAST CHICKEN

Hi there! Are you looking to spice up your dinner routine with some exotic flavors? Look no further than my recipe for Moroccan-Style Roast Chicken. This dish brings together tender, juicy chicken and the bold spices of Morocco to create a flavorful and memorable meal. From the warmth of cumin to the depth of paprika, each bite will transport your taste buds to the vibrant and aromatic streets of Morocco.

Cooking time : 45 Minutes

Yield : 4-6 Servings

Ingredients:

Chicken, whole - 4 pounds
Onions, chopped - 2
Zucchini, minced - 1
Dried dates, pitted and chopped - 8
Garlic, minced - 4 cloves
Carrots, minced - 2
Fresh ginger, minced - 2 teaspoons
Paprika - 1 teaspoon
Ground cumin - ½ teaspoon
Oregano, dried - 1/2 teaspoon
Cayenne pepper, grounded - 1/3 teaspoon
Ground turmeric - 1/3 teaspoon
Cinnamon sticks - 2
Extra-virgin olive oil - 3 tablespoons
Sea salt - to taste
Freshly ground black pepper - to taste

For the Rub:

Extra-virgin olive oil - 1/3 cup
Ground cinnamon - 1/3 teaspoon
Cumin - ½ teaspoon
Sea salt - to taste
Freshly ground black pepper - to taste

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
In a large skillet, heat up some olive oil and add in the chopped onions, carrots, garlic, and ginger.
Sauté the ingredients for 3 minutes, then add in the minced zucchini, chopped dates, paprika, oregano, cumin, cayenne pepper, turmeric, salt, and pepper.
Stir the mixture well and continue cooking for another 4 minutes.
Fill the cavity of the chicken with this mixture and place a cinnamon stick inside as well.
Use cooking twine to secure the chicken and keep the stuffing in place.
Place the chicken on a rack in a roasting pan.
In a small bowl, mix together the ingredients for the rub, including olive oil, cinnamon, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Rub half of the mixture over the chicken.
Roast the chicken in the oven for 1 hour, basting it every 15 minutes to keep it moist.
Once the chicken is fully roasted, serve it immediately while it's hot and juicy.