- Dish Overview:
- Fiery chillies and tangy lemons bring a bold flavour to this chicken dish.
- Spice level is adjustable based on your heat tolerance.
- Perfectly paired with a fresh salad and roast potatoes.
- Fiery chillies and tangy lemons bring a bold flavour to this chicken dish.
- Ingredients:
- 2 size 14 chickens
- 4 rosemary sprigs (bruised)
- 1 tbsp red chilli flakes (adjust to taste)
- 6 garlic cloves (peeled and bruised)
- 2 lemons (juiced and quartered)
- ½ cup olive oil
- Sea salt & freshly ground black pepper
- Extra virgin olive oil
- 2 size 14 chickens
- Preparation Steps:
- Prepare Chicken:
- Cut backbone from chickens, flatten with palm, place in plastic bags.
- Add rosemary, garlic, lemon juice, lemon quarters, olive oil to each bag, seal, and marinate overnight.
- Cut backbone from chickens, flatten with palm, place in plastic bags.
- Cook Chicken:
- Remove from the fridge 2 hours before cooking.
- Preheat the grill too high.
- Season with salt and pepper, grill skin-side down for 40 minutes, turning every 10-12 minutes, and baste with rosemary dipped in olive oil.
- Remove from the fridge 2 hours before cooking.
- Rest & Serve:
- Let chicken rest in a warm oven for 10 minutes before cutting it in half.
- Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil before serving.
- Let chicken rest in a warm oven for 10 minutes before cutting it in half.
- Prepare Chicken:
- Adjusting Spice Levels:
- Mild Heat: Use 1 teaspoon of red chilli flakes.
- Extra Heat: Increase red chilli flakes to 2 tablespoons.
- Mild Heat: Use 1 teaspoon of red chilli flakes.
- Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with a well-dressed salad and crispy roast potatoes for a balanced meal.
- Pair with a well-dressed salad and crispy roast potatoes for a balanced meal.
- Why It Works:
- The rosemary, garlic, and lemon infusion creates a fragrant marinade.
- Grilling locks in moisture and gives crispy skin, while resting keeps the meat juicy.
- The rosemary, garlic, and lemon infusion creates a fragrant marinade.
- FAQ:
Can I use chicken pieces instead of whole chickens?
Yes, adjust cooking time accordingly.
How can I make this milder?
Reduce the amount of red chilli flakes.
Can I cook this in the oven?
Yes, bake at 200°C (400°F) for 40 minutes, flipping halfway through.