Georgian Roasted Chicken

Georgian Roasted Chicken Recipe - Authentic and Flavorful

Region / culture: Asia, Europe, Georgia | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 4.5 - 5 hours | Servings: 6-8

Introduction

Georgian Roasted Chicken is a flavorful and aromatic dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a family dinner. This recipe combines a variety of spices and herbs to create a delicious and tender chicken that is sure to impress your guests.

History

This recipe has its origins in the country of Georgia, where roasting meat is a popular cooking method. The combination of spices used in this recipe reflects the traditional flavors of Georgian cuisine, which is known for its bold and vibrant flavors.

Ingredients

2 tsp paprika
1 tsp ground sage
0.5 tsp dry mustard
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp ground thyme
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 tbsp finely minced onion
2 tsp salt
0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
4 tbsp thinly sliced ginger root
0.25 tsp finely grated lemon rind
1 x 7 – 8 lb (3.63 kg) fresh roasting chicken, hen, or capon
0.5 chopped onion (red, white, or yellow only)
2 julienned carrots
1 sliced celery rib
0.5 cored, seeded, and julienned green bell pepper
1 tbsp butter
1 tsp lemon juice

How to prepare

In a bowl, mix together the spices and set aside.
Remove the fatty deposits from the chest and body cavities of the bird and set them aside.
In a large skillet, render the bird's fat until approximately 1 tbsp remains.
Add the butter, 0.5 tsp of the spice mixture, and the ginger to the skillet.
Saute for 2 – 3 minutes, then remove from the pan, drain the ginger, and set aside.
Separate the skin from the bird, but do not remove it.
Place the cooled ginger mixture inside the skin.
Make sure to coat all sides of the bird with this mixture.
Mix the vegetables together with the lemon juice and the remaining spice mixture, then stuff the 2 body cavities with them.
Preheat the oven to 250°F (121°C), place the bird into a large roasting pan, and roast uncovered for 4.5 – 5 hours.
Serve hot, plain, or with other main dishes.

Variations

For a spicier version of this dish, add more red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the spice mixture.
You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to remove the fatty deposits from the bird before cooking to ensure a lean and tender chicken.

- Rendering the bird's fat in the skillet before cooking helps to enhance the flavor of the dish.

- Stuffing the ginger mixture under the skin of the bird helps to infuse the meat with flavor and keep it moist during cooking.

- Roasting the chicken at a low temperature for a long period of time helps to ensure that the meat is tender and juicy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Georgian Roasted Chicken with a side of rice pilaf and a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Roasting the chicken at a low temperature for a long period of time helps to ensure that the meat is tender and juicy.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh ginger root, you can use ground ginger as a substitute.

- You can also use chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of a whole roasting hen for a quicker cooking time.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the spice mixture and stuff the bird with the ginger mixture ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to roast.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the roasted chicken with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a glass of Georgian red wine, such as Saperavi, to complement the bold flavors of the chicken.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

300 per serving

Carbohydrates

5g per serving

Fats

- Total Fat: 12g per serving

- Saturated Fat: 4g per serving

Proteins

- Protein: 45g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 10% of daily value per serving

- Vitamin C: 20% of daily value per serving

- Iron: 15% of daily value per serving

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter) and ginger, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

This dish is a good source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals. It is relatively low in carbohydrates and calories, making it a healthy option for a main course.

Summary

Georgian Roasted Chicken is a delicious and aromatic dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a family dinner. With a blend of spices and herbs, this dish is sure to impress your guests and become a new favorite in your recipe collection.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a treasured one. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Georgia. My mother, a wonderful cook herself, had taught me the basics of Georgian cuisine - the spices, the flavors, the techniques. But it was my dear neighbor, Mrs. Nino, who truly opened my eyes to the world of Georgian roasted chicken.

Mrs. Nino was an elderly woman with a kind heart and a passion for cooking. She welcomed me into her kitchen one summer afternoon, inviting me to watch as she prepared a feast for her family. The smell of herbs and spices filled the air, and I could hardly contain my excitement as I watched her expertly season the chicken with garlic, coriander, and fenugreek.

As the chicken roasted in the oven, Mrs. Nino regaled me with stories of her own mother and grandmother, who had passed down this recipe through generations. She spoke of the importance of using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, and the significance of cooking with love and care.

When the chicken was finally ready, Mrs. Nino plated it up with a side of fluffy rice and crispy roasted vegetables. The first bite was a revelation - tender, juicy meat bursting with flavor, a perfect balance of savory and spicy. I knew then and there that I had to learn how to make this dish myself.

Over the years, I perfected my own version of Mrs. Nino's recipe, adapting it to suit my family's tastes and preferences. I experimented with different spices, cooking methods, and side dishes, always striving to capture the essence of that first magical bite.

As I grew older, I became known in my village as the go-to source for delicious, authentic Georgian roasted chicken. Friends and neighbors would come knocking on my door, eager to taste my latest creation and swap stories and recipes of their own.

One particularly memorable experience was when my own grandchildren came to visit. They had grown up in a different country, far from the rolling hills and lush valleys of Georgia. I wanted to share with them a taste of their heritage, a connection to the land of their ancestors.

Together, we gathered in the kitchen, my grandchildren perched on stools beside me as I guided them through the steps of making Georgian roasted chicken. They marveled at the vibrant colors of the spices, the intoxicating aroma of the herbs, and the sizzle of the chicken as it hit the hot pan.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, I watched with pride as my grandchildren savored each bite, their eyes sparkling with delight. They commented on the depth of flavors, the tenderness of the meat, the way the dish brought them closer to their roots.

I knew then that I had passed on not just a recipe, but a tradition, a piece of our family's history. And as I sat back, content and full of joy, I knew that this memory would be one that I would treasure for the rest of my days.