This Christmas, ditch the usual roast and embrace a vibrant, flavorful feast with our oven-baked achiote chicken! Achiote paste, a vibrant spice blend from Central America, lends this dish its stunning reddish-orange hue and a complex, earthy flavor profile that's surprisingly easy to achieve. Imagine succulent chicken, infused with the warm spices of achiote, garlic, and a hint of citrus, perfectly roasted to juicy perfection. This recipe is a delightful departure from tradition, offering a unique and memorable culinary experience that your guests will rave about. It's the perfect centerpiece for a festive gathering, bringing a taste of the tropics to your holiday table.
Beyond its festive appeal, this achiote chicken recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare. The rich, complex flavors develop effortlessly in the oven, leaving you with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor impact. Ready to transform your Christmas dinner? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to create this unforgettable achiote chicken masterpiece.
Tools Needed
- Blender
- Baking dish
- Aluminum foil or plastic bag/baking bag
- Oven
- Kitchen twine
- Scissors
Ingredients
- Orange juice: 2 cups
- Lemon juice: ¾ cup
- Onion: ¾ of a small onion
- Chipotle peppers: 10
- Cloves: 10
- Achiote paste: 100 grams (1 tablet)
- Garlic: 10 cloves (or 1 ½ tbsp chopped)
- Apple cider vinegar: ½ cup
- Chicken
- Banana leaves
- Salt: to taste
- Herbs
- Cilantro/Parsley
- Orange slices
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Achiote Marinade and Season the Chicken
- Blend orange juice, lemon juice, onion, chipotle peppers, cloves, achiote paste, garlic, and vinegar until smooth.
- Season the chicken with salt and herbs.
- Salt was already added earlier)
Step 2. Marinate and Prepare the Chicken for Baking
- Place a banana leaf in a baking dish.
- Place the chicken in the prepared baking dish.
- Spread the blended achiote mixture over the chicken, ensuring it gets between the skin and meat.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 2-3 hours, preferably overnight, in the refrigerator, covered with a banana leaf and optionally an aluminum foil, plastic bag, or baking bag.
- Tie the chicken legs and wings together using kitchen twine.
Step 3. Bake the Chicken
- Bake the chicken in a preheated oven at approximately 200°C (392°F) for about 1-1.5 hours, basting every half hour with the marinade. Remove the aluminum foil in the last 45 minutes for browning.
Step 4. Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with cilantro/parsley and orange slices before serving.
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Tips
- Check the chicken frequently during baking to ensure even cooking and adjust baking time as needed.
- The best flavor is achieved with an overnight marinade.
Nutrition
- Fat: 30-45g
- Carbs: 25-35g
- Protein: 50-70g
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the achiote paste?
While achiote paste gives the dish its signature color and flavor, you can try using paprika or a blend of smoked paprika and annatto powder as a substitute. The color might be less vibrant, but you'll still get some of the earthy notes.
2. How far in advance can I marinate the chicken?
Marinating the chicken for at least 2 hours, or even overnight in the refrigerator, will allow the achiote flavors to fully penetrate the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.
This oven-baked achiote chicken recipe offers a vibrant and flavorful alternative to traditional Christmas fare, impressing your guests with its unique taste and stunning presentation. The simple preparation belies the depth of flavor achieved, making it a perfect choice for a busy holiday season. Enjoy this festive and unforgettable dish!