Get ready to transform your dinner table with the most mouthwatering Tex-Mex Roasted Chicken that will make your taste buds dance and your family beg for seconds! This isn't just another chicken recipe - this is a flavor-packed culinary journey that brings the bold, zesty spirit of Tex-Mex cuisine right into your kitchen. With a perfect blend of spices, a crispy golden skin, and juicy meat that falls right off the bone, this roasted chicken is about to become your new weekend showstopper that will have everyone asking, "What's your secret?"
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Tex Mex
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lime, juiced
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Remove the chicken from refrigeration and let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Pat the whole chicken dry thoroughly with paper towels to help achieve crispy skin. This step is crucial for proper roasting.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful spice rub.
- Gently loosen the chicken's skin without tearing it, and massage half of the spice mixture directly under the skin to infuse flavor into the meat.
- Rub the remaining spice mixture all over the exterior of the chicken, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Place the seasoned chicken in a roasting pan or cast-iron skillet breast-side up. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the chicken for added brightness.
- Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for approximately 60-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured at the thickest part of the thigh.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring moist meat.
- Carve the chicken and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving. Serve with your favorite Tex-Mex side dishes.
Tips
- Temperature is key: Always let your chicken sit at room temperature before roasting to ensure even cooking.
- Pat the chicken completely dry - this is the secret to achieving that irresistibly crispy skin that everyone will rave about.
- Don't skip massaging the spice rub under the skin; this technique allows the flavors to penetrate deep into the meat.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken - aim for 165°F at the thickest part of the thigh.
- Letting the chicken rest after cooking is crucial - this helps redistribute the juices, keeping the meat tender and moist.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a few wedges of lime or orange in the roasting pan during cooking.
- Fresh cilantro isn't just a garnish - it adds a bright, fresh finish that completes the Tex-Mex flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 140mg
