A Golden Chicken

Elevate your dinner table with "A Golden Chicken," a show-stopping roasted whole chicken infused with the warm, aromatic flavors of turmeric, cumin, and smoked paprika. This recipe combines unsalted butter and olive oil to create a rich, golden marinade that seeps into every tender bite. Garlic, cayenne, and a splash of lemon juice add depth and brightness, while frequent basting ensures a perfectly crispy, flavorful skin. Simple yet exquisite, this oven-roasted masterpiece is ready in under two hours, making it an ideal centerpiece for gatherings or weeknight indulgence. Pair it with roasted vegetables or fluffy rice for a complete meal, and don’t forget the optional parsley garnish for a fresh burst of color. Perfect for fans of golden, juicy chicken and bold, spice-forward flavors!

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:105 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 3-4 lbs whole chicken
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 large, minced garlic cloves
• 2 teaspoons ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional for garnish) fresh parsley

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the giblets from the chicken and pat the chicken dry with paper towels.

Step 2

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and combine it with olive oil, minced garlic, turmeric, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, coriander, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to form a fragrant marinade.

Step 3

Place the chicken on a roasting pan or oven-safe skillet. Gently loosen the skin over the chicken breast with your fingers and carefully rub a portion of the marinade under the skin, directly onto the meat. Rub the remaining marinade all over the chicken’s exterior, ensuring an even coating.

Step 4

Truss the chicken legs with kitchen twine, if desired, and tuck the wings under the bird to promote even cooking and prevent burning.

Step 5

Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for about 90 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast, and the juices run clear. Baste the chicken with its pan juices every 25-30 minutes to maintain a golden, crispy skin.

Step 6

Allow the chicken to rest for 10 minutes before carving. This keeps the meat juicy and flavorful.

Step 7

Transfer the chicken to a serving platter and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve alongside roasted vegetables, rice, or your preferred side dish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1531.6 grams (1531.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	942

Total Fat 88.50g	113%
Saturated Fat 35.70g	179%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 226mg	75%
Sodium 4857mg	211%
Total Carbohydrate 18.60g	7%
Dietary Fiber 4.30g	15%
Total Sugars 1.20g
Protein 29.70g	59%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 136mg	10%
Iron 8mg	45%
Potassium 739mg	16%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 80.5%

Protein: 12.0%

Carbs: 7.5%