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Chicken With East African Flavors

It's unbelievably crispy, tender, and super flavor-packed! With less than 10 minutes of prep, it's the perfect main for a crazy weeknight dinner!
Course Main
Cuisine African
Diet Gluten Free
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 320kcal
Author Imma

Ingredients

  • 1 3-3½ pound (≅1.5k) whole chicken or chicken pieces
  • 1 tablespoon (4g) parsley (or basil, oregano, etc.)
  • 1 tablespoon (15-20g) salt
  • tablespoons (10g) onion powder
  • tablespoons (15g) garlic powder
  • tablespoons (8g) ground ginger
  • 1-2 teaspoon (3-6g) smoked paprika
  • ½-1 teaspoon (3g) ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon (1-2g) ground cardamom
  • ½ teaspoon (1g) chili pepper or more
  • ½ teaspoon (1g) cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2-3 tablespoons (28-42g) coconut oil (or any cooking oil)

Instructions

  • Wash the chicken and place it on a baking sheet (arrange cut-up chicken in a single layer). Let it sit in the fridge for a minimum of 3 hours (preferably overnight). Do not cover it so it can air-dry for extra crispy chicken. If you don't have time, omit this process and proceed with the spices.
  • Mix the spices well and set aside.
  • When ready to bake, preheat oven to 375℉ (190℃).
  • Place the chicken in a large bowl, rub it with the spices, and then drizzle with oil. Do the same if using cut chicken. (Store unused spices in a glass jar away from light and heat.)
  • Line a roasting pan with foil and top with a wire rack.
  • Place chicken on the wire rack, loosely cover, and roast for about 50 minutes. Then, uncover and cook for 15-30 more minutes. Remove and let it rest before serving.

Notes

  • Though letting the chicken dry in the fridge gives you crispier skin, it's not necessary.
  • You can rub some spices under the chicken skin. If you prefer, salt the chicken first and then make a salt-free spice blend and use it.
  •  Coconut oil adds another dimension, but any cooking oil or butter works great.
  • Adjust pepper according to preference. Heat seekers, go for it and add more chili or cayenne pepper. Don't let me stop you from getting your groove on.
  • Feel free to adjust spices to your preferences. Some like it ginger-heavy, while others prefer more cumin. You could also throw in some turmeric and coriander.
  • Please remember that the nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on the products used in the recipe.

Nutrition

Serving: 100g | Calories: 320kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 82mg | Sodium: 1040mg | Potassium: 389mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 946IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 3mg