If you’re looking for a delicious and unique way to prepare a whole chicken, this Upside-Down Roasted Chicken over Flavored Rice is the perfect recipe! The combination of juicy, tender chicken with fragrant, flavorful rice creates a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and impressive to serve. The best part? Roasting the chicken upside down ensures that all of its natural juices infuse the rice, making it even more flavorful and rich.
This dish is not only perfect for a family dinner but also works wonderfully for gatherings or special occasions. It’s a one-pan meal that allows you to have both your protein and a flavorful side in one easy-to-make dish. With aromatic spices like cinnamon, paprika, and turmeric, the rice becomes a comforting and vibrant base for the roasted chicken.
Ready to dive into this flavorful recipe? Here’s everything you need to know!
Ingredients: 📝
For the Chicken:
- 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs)
- For the Marinade:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Rice:
- 2 cups long-grain rice (basmati or jasmine)
- 4 cups chicken broth or water
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp turmeric (optional, for color)
- 1 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or parsley, for garnish)
- Lemon slices (for garnish, optional)
Instructions: 👩🍳👨🍳
Prepare the Chicken: 🍗
- Clean and Prep the Chicken:
Start by cleaning the whole chicken thoroughly. Pat it dry with paper towels to ensure the skin is dry, which will help achieve crispy skin during roasting. - Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This marinade is packed with flavors that will deeply infuse the chicken. - Rub the Marinade:
Rub the marinade generously all over the chicken, ensuring that it gets under the skin for maximum flavor. If you want to take it a step further, use your fingers to loosen the skin slightly and rub the marinade under it. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. For an even more intense flavor, marinate it overnight in the fridge.
Prepare the Rice: 🍚
- Rinse the Rice:
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky while cooking. - Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large oven-safe dish, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté them until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. - Toast the Rice:
Add the rinsed rice to the pan along with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and 1 teaspoon of turmeric (if using). Stir the rice to coat it in the spices and sauté it for another 2 minutes. This step helps to lightly toast the rice, enhancing its flavor. - Add Liquid:
Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth (or water) and add 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir the mixture gently, then set it aside for now.
Arrange in the Oven: 🔥
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, you can prepare the chicken and rice for roasting. - Position the Chicken:
Place the rice mixture evenly in the oven-safe dish, ensuring it’s spread out in an even layer. Then, carefully position the marinated chicken upside down on top of the rice, with its cavity facing downward. The idea here is to let the chicken’s juices drip down into the rice as it cooks, infusing it with rich, savory flavor. To make sure the chicken stays balanced and doesn’t tip over during roasting, you can use kitchen twine to tie the legs together, or you can secure the legs with a couple of skewers.
Roasting: 🍗🔥
- Roast the Chicken:
Place the oven-safe dish with the rice and chicken in the preheated oven. Roast for 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the size of your chicken. - Check the Rice:
Occasionally check on the rice as it roasts. If it looks like the rice is drying out, you can add a bit more broth or water to keep it moist. If the chicken skin starts to get too dark before the chicken is fully cooked, you can loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil and continue roasting. - Check for Doneness:
The chicken is ready when the skin is golden and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You can check the temperature by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, avoiding the bone.
Finishing Touches: 🌟
- Rest the Chicken:
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute within the chicken, making it more moist and flavorful when you carve it. - Fluff the Rice:
After removing the chicken, use a fork to fluff the rice gently. The rice should be moist and infused with the delicious drippings from the chicken. Stir the rice to distribute the flavors evenly throughout.
Serve: 🍽️
- Carve the Chicken:
Once rested, carve the chicken into pieces, and arrange the pieces over the rice. The crispy skin and juicy meat are the perfect complement to the fragrant rice below. - Garnish:
To add a fresh and vibrant touch, garnish the dish with fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley. If you’d like, you can also add lemon slices as a garnish to bring a bright contrast to the richness of the chicken and rice.
Tips: 💡
- Extra Crispy Skin:
For an extra crispy skin, brush the chicken with melted butter during the last 15 minutes of roasting. This will help the skin become golden and crispy without drying out. - Add Vegetables:
Add some diced carrots, bell peppers, or peas to the rice before cooking for an extra dose of flavor and nutrition. These vegetables will cook along with the rice, becoming tender and infused with the chicken’s juices. - Customize the Spice Level:
If you like a bit of heat, add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the rice mixture to give it a spicy kick. Adjust the seasoning to match your preference. - Make it a Complete Meal:
This dish is already packed with protein, carbs, and veggies (if you add some), but you can always serve it with a side salad or some grilled vegetables for a more complete meal.
Conclusion:
This Upside-Down Roasted Chicken Over Flavored Rice is a delightful and flavorful dish that combines the best of both worlds—succulent chicken and aromatic rice. It’s easy to prepare, requires minimal hands-on time, and guarantees an impressive meal with rich flavors that everyone will enjoy. The upside-down roasting method ensures that the chicken’s juices infuse the rice, creating a perfectly moist, fragrant base. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and enjoy this delicious meal that’s sure to become a family favorite! 😋🍗🍚
