Description
Prepare to fall in love with this absolutely stunning Sweet & Spicy Roast Chicken that brings the exotic flavors of the Middle East straight to your dinner table! This show-stopping dish combines juicy, perfectly roasted chicken with a magical marinade of citrus, honey, and warming spices, then nestles it alongside caramelized carrots, sweet dates, and crunchy pistachios for a feast that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. The overnight marinade transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary, while the one-pan cooking method makes cleanup a breeze. Perfect for dinner parties, special occasions, or when you want to create something that will have everyone asking for the recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 1 large lemon)
- 1 teaspoon fresh orange zest
- 6 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice (from 2 oranges)
- 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons whole grain mustard
- 6 tablespoons honey
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 3 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 2½ teaspoons salt
- 4 pounds bone-in chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, and breasts)
- 3 cups carrots, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 1 medium yellow onion, halved and thinly sliced
- 1 cup dried dates, thinly sliced
For Gorgeous Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley
- 2 scallions (light and dark green parts), thinly sliced
- ¼ cup chopped salted pistachios
Instructions
- Create Your Magical Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together lemon zest, lemon juice, orange zest, orange juice, olive oil, whole grain mustard, honey, red pepper flakes, garlic, thyme, and salt until beautifully combined. This aromatic blend is pure liquid gold!
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Place chicken pieces, sliced carrots, onions, and dates in a large sealable plastic bag. Pour in the marinade and seal tightly. Massage everything together until evenly coated—this is where the magic happens! Place on a rimmed sheet pan and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight for incredible flavor development.
- Prep for Roasting Perfection: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) with rack in the middle position. This high heat will give you that perfect golden-brown, crispy skin!
- Arrange for Success: Transfer everything from the bag, including every drop of that precious marinade, onto a rimmed sheet pan (don’t line with foil—you want direct contact for caramelization). Arrange chicken pieces skin-side up for maximum crispiness.
- Roast to Golden Glory: Roast for 40-45 minutes until chicken is lightly browned and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Halfway through, give the carrots a gentle stir to prevent burning and ensure even caramelization.
- Finish with Fire: Turn on the broiler and cook 1-3 minutes more, watching carefully, until skin is gorgeously golden and crispy. The honey can cause quick browning, so keep a close eye!
- Present Your Masterpiece: Transfer everything to a beautiful serving platter, drizzling with the caramelized pan juices. Sprinkle with fresh parsley, sliced scallions, and chopped pistachios for that stunning restaurant-worthy presentation that will make everyone’s mouth water!
Notes
The secret to this incredible dish is the overnight marinade—it transforms the chicken into something absolutely magical! Fresh citrus juice and zest are essential for the bright, vibrant flavors that make this dish sing. Don’t skip the broiling step at the end; it creates that irresistible crispy skin everyone loves. The combination of sweet dates, crunchy pistachios, and tender carrots creates incredible texture and flavor contrasts. This dish is naturally gluten-free and can be made dairy-free. Leftovers are fantastic served cold or reheated gently. Perfect for meal prep or entertaining!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: roast chicken, middle eastern chicken, honey mustard chicken, sheet pan dinner, marinated chicken