If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet wonderfully simple to prepare, you’re in for a treat with this Savory Zuni Roasted Chicken with Fresh Chimichurri Recipe. The golden, crispy skin of a perfectly roasted chicken paired with a vibrant, herbaceous chimichurri sauce creates a harmony of textures and flavors that feels both comforting and exciting. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a weekend feast with friends, this recipe brings out the best in a humble whole chicken, elevating it without fuss. Get ready to impress yourself and anyone lucky enough to share this meal!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Trust me when I say the beauty of this Savory Zuni Roasted Chicken with Fresh Chimichurri Recipe lies in the simplicity and freshness of its ingredients. Each item plays a crucial role in building depth of flavor, crisp texture, or that refreshing herbal kick that makes this dish unforgettable.
- Whole Chicken (3-4 pounds): Choose pasture-raised or organic for juicier, more flavorful meat.
- Kosher Salt (1 tablespoon): Essential for seasoning deeply and helping the skin crisp up beautifully.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper (1 teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of warm spice and complexity.
- Garlic (4-5 cloves): When crushed and roasted inside the chicken, it infuses rich aromatic notes.
- Lemon (1 whole, juiced and zested): Provides zesty brightness that cuts through the richness.
- Fresh Parsley (1 cup, chopped): Flat-leaf parsley brings a fresh, clean herbaceousness to the chimichurri.
- Fresh Oregano (1 tablespoon, chopped): Adds a punch of Mediterranean aroma, better fresh than dried.
- Red Pepper Flakes (1 teaspoon): Gives the chimichurri a gentle, pleasant heat—adjust to your taste.
- Olive Oil (1/2 cup): Use extra virgin for a fruity, rich emulsifier that ties the sauce together.
- Red Wine Vinegar (1/4 cup): Adds acidity and brightness, balancing the olive oil and chicken’s fattiness.
How to Make Savory Zuni Roasted Chicken with Fresh Chimichurri Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready
Preheat your oven to a blazing 475°F (245°C). This high heat is the key to achieving that gorgeously golden, crispy skin on the roasted chicken that makes every bite so satisfying.
Step 2: Dry and Season the Chicken
Pat your whole chicken dry with paper towels—this is crucial to avoid steaming and to ensure that crisp skin. Generously season inside and out with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to bring out the chicken’s natural flavors.
Step 3: Infuse with Garlic and Lemon
Stuff the chicken cavity with crushed garlic cloves and lemon halves. As the chicken roasts, these aromatics will release fragrant steam that flavors the meat from within, giving it a subtle yet profound depth.
Step 4: Position and Roast
Place your seasoned chicken breast-side up on a roasting rack inside a large oven-safe skillet. Roasting it elevated like this promotes even cooking and allows the fat to render out, leaving skin crisp and delicious. Roast for about 60 to 75 minutes, until the skin is deeply golden and the meat juices run clear.
Step 5: Prepare the Fresh Chimichurri
While the chicken is roasting, mix together chopped parsley, oregano, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a bowl. Slowly whisk in the olive oil until emulsified, then finish with red wine vinegar to brighten the sauce. This vibrant chimichurri is the soul of the dish, adding fresh herbaceous bursts with every spoonful.
Step 6: Rest and Carve the Chicken
Once out of the oven, let the chicken rest for at least 10-15 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat stays juicy when carved. Then carve the chicken into pieces and generously drizzle with the freshly made chimichurri sauce.
Step 7: Serve Up and Enjoy
Serve this show-stopping poultry masterpiece warm, adding extra chimichurri on the side for those who want an herb-packed punch in every bite. It’s a meal that feels both effortlessly rustic and luxuriously vibrant.
How to Serve Savory Zuni Roasted Chicken with Fresh Chimichurri Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like extra chopped parsley and lemon wedges bring a fresh, bright finish that complements the hearty roasted chicken. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt can also enhance crunch and flavor contrast.
Side Dishes
Pair your Savory Zuni Roasted Chicken with Fresh Chimichurri Recipe alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a crisp green salad for a balanced plate. Grilled seasonal vegetables or roasted potatoes also work beautifully, soaking up any leftover chimichurri for extra flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual feast, serve the carved chicken pieces family-style on a large platter surrounded by vibrant chimichurri and lemon wedges. Or try placing a piece of chicken atop a bed of herbed couscous, drizzling the sauce to create an appealing restaurant-style presentation that’s sure to wow guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover roasted chicken tightly in aluminum foil or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 3 to 4 days for optimal flavor and safety. Keep the chimichurri separate to maintain its fresh, bright qualities.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover chicken, but the texture may change slightly after thawing. Freeze in meal-sized portions with the chimichurri stored separately in a small airtight container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm chicken pieces in the oven at 325°F (160°C) covered loosely with foil to prevent drying out. Warm the chimichurri sauce separately and drizzle over the chicken just before serving to recapture that fresh, vibrant flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken parts instead of a whole chicken?
Absolutely! While whole chicken gives that classic presentation and juiciness, chicken parts like thighs or breasts work well too. Just adjust the roasting time accordingly to prevent overcooking.
What if I don’t have fresh oregano?
If fresh oregano isn’t available, dried oregano works in a pinch, but use about one-third the amount since it’s more concentrated. The freshness of herbs is what makes this recipe special, so try to get fresh when possible.
Can I make the chimichurri ahead of time?
Yes, chimichurri actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours or overnight as the flavors meld. Just bring it back to room temperature before serving to retain its bright, fresh qualities.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh; it should read 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. The juices should also run clear when you pierce the meat.
Is this recipe spicy?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth but it’s far from overpowering. You can easily adjust the quantity to suit your preferred spice level or omit them completely for a milder flavor.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Savory Zuni Roasted Chicken with Fresh Chimichurri Recipe enough if you’re looking for a dish that tastes like a labor of love but is actually simple to make. The marriage of crispy, juicy chicken with fresh, zesty chimichurri makes for a memorable meal every time. Give it a try and watch as it becomes one of your go-to favorites for any occasion.
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Savory Zuni Roasted Chicken with Fresh Chimichurri Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American, inspired by Zuni Cafe style
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Savory Zuni Roasted Chicken recipe features a perfectly roasted whole chicken seasoned with garlic, lemon, salt, and pepper, accompanied by a fresh and zesty chimichurri sauce made with parsley, oregano, red pepper flakes, and red wine vinegar. The high-heat roasting method ensures crispy skin and juicy meat, while the vibrant chimichurri adds a bright, herbaceous finish. Ideal for a flavorful and impressive dinner that serves four.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 whole Whole Chicken (3–4 pounds) (Opt for pasture-raised or organic for best flavor)
- 1 tablespoon Salt (Use kosher salt for seasoning)
- 1 teaspoon Pepper (Freshly ground black pepper adds depth)
- 4–5 cloves Garlic (Fresh garlic contributes aromatic qualities)
- 1 whole Lemon (Juiced and zested for brightness)
Chimichurri Sauce
- 1 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped (Use flat-leaf parsley for best flavor)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Oregano, chopped (Fresh oregano is more aromatic than dried)
- 1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (Adjust according to spice preference)
- 1/2 cup Olive Oil (Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil)
- 1/4 cup Red Wine Vinegar (Balances richness of chicken and olive oil)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) to prepare for roasting the chicken at high heat, which helps achieve a crispy skin.
- Dry Chicken: Pat the whole chicken dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure the skin crisps properly during roasting.
- Season Chicken: Generously season the chicken all over with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance natural flavors.
- Stuff Cavity: Stuff the chicken cavity with crushed garlic cloves and lemon halves to infuse the meat with aromatic citrus and garlic flavor as it roasts.
- Place Chicken: Position the chicken breast side up on a roasting rack set inside a large oven-safe skillet or pan to allow air circulation and even cooking.
- Roast Chicken: Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, until the skin is golden and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached.
- Prepare Chimichurri: In a bowl, combine chopped fresh parsley, oregano, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, and lemon zest, stirring to blend the flavors.
- Add Olive Oil and Vinegar: While whisking the herb mixture, slowly drizzle in the olive oil to emulsify, then add red wine vinegar for acidity and balance.
- Rest Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest 10-15 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist meat.
- Carve Chicken: Carve the rested chicken into serving pieces such as breasts, thighs, and drumsticks for easy serving.
- Serve with Chimichurri: Drizzle the fresh chimichurri sauce generously over the carved chicken pieces and serve warm.
Notes
- Using a whole chicken weighing between 3 and 4 pounds ensures even roasting and moist texture.
- Resting the chicken after roasting is essential to retain juices and improve tenderness.
- Adjust red pepper flakes in the chimichurri to suit your preferred spice level.
- High-quality extra virgin olive oil and fresh herbs are key to vibrant chimichurri flavor.
- Use a roasting rack to keep the chicken elevated for even cooking and crispy skin all around.
