Turkish-Style Roasted Chicken Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken, about 3-4 pounds
- 1 tablespoon black tea powder
- 1 cup boiling water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried mint
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Black Tea Marinade:
- In a small bowl, mix the black tea powder with the boiling water. Allow the tea to steep for 3-4 minutes, then strain and let it cool. This mixture will be used to marinate the chicken.
Marinate the Chicken:
- Rinse the chicken and pat it dry. Place the chicken in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and pour the cooled black tea marinade over it. Make sure the chicken is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
Prepare the Yogurt Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix the plain yogurt with lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Set aside.
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Stuff and Truss the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat it dry. Stuff the cavity of the chicken with the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Truss the chicken by tying the legs together with kitchen twine and tucking the wings under the body. This helps the chicken to cook evenly and maintain its shape.
Roast the Chicken:
- Place the chicken on a rack in a roasting pan, breast side up. Rub the chicken with olive oil and season with ground cumin, paprika, dried oregano, dried mint, salt, and pepper.
- Roast the chicken for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste the chicken with the yogurt sauce every 30 minutes during roasting.
Rest and Serve:
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat.
- Serve the Turkish-style roasted chicken with the remaining yogurt sauce on the side. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and pomegranate seeds if desired.
- Enjoy your Turkish-Style Roasted Chicken with a hint of black tea flavor, perfect for a special dinner or a festive occasion. The tender chicken and flavorful spices create a satisfying and delicious meal.