Tex-Mex Roasted Chicken

Tex-Mex Roasted Chicken Recipe - A Delicious Blend of Spices and Vegetables

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 18-20 minutes | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Tex-Mex Roasted Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines traditional Tex-Mex spices with tender roasted chicken and fresh vegetables. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends.

History

Tex-Mex cuisine is a fusion of Mexican and American flavors that originated in the border regions of Texas and Mexico. This recipe takes inspiration from traditional Tex-Mex spices and cooking techniques, resulting in a delicious and satisfying dish that is sure to please your taste buds.

Ingredients

1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp chili powder
0.5 tsp dried whole basil
0.5 tsp dried whole oregano
0.25 tsp salt
1 tbsp white wine vinegar
3 lb (1.36 kg) skinned broiler-fryer chicken
2 cups coarsely chopped yellow squash
2 cups coarsely chopped zucchini
1.25 cups coarsely chopped unpeeled, seeded tomatoes

How to prepare

Combine the first 6 ingredients and stir well. Set aside.
Remove the giblets and neck from the chicken and discard them.
Rinse the chicken under cold running water and pat it dry.
Rub the spice mixture on the outside of the chicken.
Tie the ends of the legs to the tail with string. Lift the wingtips up and over the back, and tuck them under the chicken.
Place the chicken, breast side down, in a deep 3 qt (2.84 liter) casserole.
Cover the casserole with wax paper and microwave on high for 8 to 9 minutes.
Turn the chicken breast side up, cover it, and microwave on high for another 8 to 9 minutes.
Remove the chicken to a serving platter and reserve the drippings in the casserole.
Let the chicken stand, covered, for 15 minutes.
Add the vegetables to the drippings and toss gently to coat them.
Microwave on high for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the vegetables are crisp-tender, stirring halfway through the cooking process.
Arrange the vegetables around the chicken.

Variations

Add a can of black beans or corn to the vegetable mixture for added flavor and texture.
Substitute chicken thighs or drumsticks for the whole chicken for a different presentation.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to pat the chicken dry before rubbing it with the spice mixture to ensure that the spices adhere well to the chicken.

- Tying the ends of the legs and tucking the wingtips under the chicken helps to ensure even cooking and a beautiful presentation.

- Letting the chicken stand for 15 minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Tex-Mex Roasted Chicken with warm tortillas, rice, and a side of guacamole for a complete Tex-Mex meal.

Cooking Techniques

Microwaving the chicken helps to cook it quickly and evenly, while also keeping it moist and tender. Make sure to cover the casserole dish with wax paper to trap in the steam and prevent the chicken from drying out.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to customize this recipe by using your favorite Tex-Mex spices or adding different vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or jalapenos.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the spice mixture and marinate the chicken in advance to save time on the day of cooking. Simply cover and refrigerate the chicken until ready to cook.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the roasted chicken on a platter surrounded by the colorful vegetables for a beautiful and appetizing presentation. Garnish with fresh cilantro or lime wedges for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Tex-Mex Roasted Chicken pairs well with a cold beer or a refreshing margarita. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with a glass of iced tea or a fruity agua fresca.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and vegetables in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, or until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

This recipe contains approximately 300 calories per serving.

Carbohydrates

This recipe contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

This recipe contains approximately 12 grams of fat per serving.

Proteins

This recipe contains approximately 30 grams of protein per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

Tex-Mex Roasted Chicken is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten. However, please check the ingredients list for any specific allergens that may affect you or your guests.

Summary

Tex-Mex Roasted Chicken is a balanced and nutritious meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Tex-Mex Roasted Chicken is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With a flavorful spice rub, tender roasted chicken, and fresh vegetables, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its simplicity. It was a hot summer day in Texas, and I was visiting my friend Maria's house for a backyard BBQ. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, the delicious aroma of roasted chicken filled the air, making my mouth water.

Maria greeted me with a warm smile and a hug, and then she proudly presented me with a plate of her famous Tex-Mex Roasted Chicken. The chicken was perfectly seasoned with a blend of spices that I couldn't quite identify, but it was like nothing I had ever tasted before.

I asked Maria for the recipe, and she laughed and said it was a family secret that had been passed down for generations. But she could see the longing in my eyes, and she promised to teach me how to make it.

Over the next few weeks, I spent countless hours in Maria's kitchen, watching and learning as she prepared the dish. She showed me how to marinate the chicken in a mixture of cumin, chili powder, garlic, and lime juice, and then roast it until it was tender and juicy.

As I watched Maria work her culinary magic, I couldn't help but think of my own grandmother and the recipes she had taught me over the years. My grandmother was a talented cook who had learned her skills from her own mother, who had learned from her mother before her. Cooking was in my blood, and I was grateful for the opportunity to learn from Maria.

After weeks of practice, I finally felt confident enough to make the Tex-Mex Roasted Chicken on my own. I invited my family over for dinner, and as they sat down to eat, I nervously watched their reactions.

To my delight, they all raved about the dish, saying it was the best chicken they had ever tasted. My heart swelled with pride, knowing that I had successfully recreated Maria's recipe and made it my own.

From that day on, the Tex-Mex Roasted Chicken became a staple in my household. I made it for every special occasion, from birthdays to holidays, and it always brought smiles to the faces of my loved ones.

As the years passed, I continued to hone my cooking skills and expand my culinary repertoire. I collected recipes from friends, family, and even strangers I met along the way. Each recipe told a story, whether it was a cherished family tradition or a culinary adventure from a distant land.

But the Tex-Mex Roasted Chicken remained my favorite. It was a reminder of the day I had first tasted it at Maria's house, and the journey I had taken to make it my own.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, preparing the dish for yet another family gathering, I can't help but feel grateful for all the people who have shared their recipes with me over the years. Each one has added a new flavor to my culinary repertoire, and I am forever grateful for the gift of their knowledge.

As I take the steaming chicken out of the oven and place it on the table, I know that it will bring joy and laughter to my loved ones once again. And as they take their first bite, I hope they can taste the love and dedication that went into every step of its preparation.

For me, cooking is more than just a way to nourish my body - it is a way to nourish my soul and connect with the people I love. And for that, I am eternally grateful.