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Orange Cumin Roast Chicken Recipe 
Ben Carraoli

Orange Cumin Roast Chicken Recipe 

I recently tried this Orange Cumin Roast Chicken recipe, and I have to say—it instantly became a favorite in my kitchen. The combination of citrusy orange and warm cumin flavors is simply irresistible.
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Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 pieces of chicken
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic smashed
  • 5 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 large navel orange
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1 large purple onion sliced crosswise
  • 1 tablespoon toasted cumin seeds
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Start by seasoning your chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in an ovenproof skillet and sear the chicken, skin-side down, until golden brown. Flip and cook the other side for 1–2 minutes, then remove and set aside.
  2. Lower the heat and toast cumin seeds lightly, being careful not to burn them. Melt butter, add garlic, then pour in chicken stock and fresh orange juice. Simmer for 2 minutes while scraping the skillet’s brown bits for extra flavor.
  3. Return the chicken to the skillet, skin side up, and arrange orange slices, thyme, onion, and red pepper flakes around it. Cover with the lid and bake for 60 minutes, then remove the lid and bake for another 15 minutes to crisp the skin.
  4. Check seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme before serving. The chicken should be tender and fragrant with a beautiful caramelized color.

Notes

  • I like to let the chicken rest 5–10 minutes after baking; it keeps the juices locked in.
  • I often toast cumin seeds in a dry pan before adding them to butter for a stronger aroma.
  • Occasionally, I spoon some of the pan juices over the chicken halfway through baking to enhance flavor.
  • Using fresh orange juice makes a big difference compared to bottled versions.