Is there a more iconic meal from Cuba than roast chicken? The traditional Cuban roast chicken is a delicious, flavorful and succulent dish that’s easy to prepare and a joy to eat.
Even if you’re miles away from Cuban soil, it’s easy to bring that delicious Cuban flavor into your own kitchen. This recipe will show you how to make an authentic Cuban roast chicken at home, even if you’ve never tried your hand at Cuban cuisine before.
What You Will Need
For the Marinade:
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
– 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
– 1/4 cup white wine
– 1 tablespoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
For the Chicken:
– 1 whole chicken, about 3-4 pounds
– 1 yellow onion, cut into quarters
– 8 small red-skinned or Yukon gold potatoes, halved
– 6-8 cloves of garlic, peeled
– Fresh flat-leaf parsley, for garnish
– Olive oil, for drizzling
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, orange juice, lime juice, white wine, dried oregano, cumin, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Make sure all the ingredients are well combined. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken in a large roasting pan. Pour the marinade over the chicken and rub it thoroughly into the skin, making sure it gets into all the nooks and crannies. Cover the roasting pan and let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or preferably, overnight.
When you’re ready to cook, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 3: Roast the Chicken
Place the onion quarters, halved potatoes, and peeled garlic cloves around the chicken in the roasting pan. Drizzle the chicken and vegetables with a bit of olive oil, and season everything with salt and pepper.
Put the roasting pan in the oven and roast the chicken for about 1 1/2 – 2 hours, or until the chicken is golden brown and the juices run clear. Check the chicken after 1 hour; if it’s browning too quickly, tent the roasting pan with aluminum foil.
Step 4: Serve the Cuban Roast Chicken
Once the chicken is done, remove the roasting pan from the oven and let the chicken rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes before serving.
To serve, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and carve it into pieces. Serve the chicken with the roasted onions, potatoes, and garlic cloves. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Cuban Roast Chicken
– Use a fresh whole chicken for best results. If you can, avoid using pre-cooked or frozen chicken.
– For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight before roasting. This will help to lock in the flavor and keep the chicken moist and succulent.
– If you want to make the dish even more authentic, you can also add some fresh bay leaves, oregano, or thyme to the marinade.
– If you don’t have a roasting pan, you can use a large baking dish or even a large cast-iron skillet. Just make sure there’s enough room to fit all the chicken and vegetables comfortably.
With these easy tips, you can easily make an authentic Cuban roast chicken at home. This flavorful and succulent dish is perfect for a cozy dinner with family and friends. Enjoy!
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