Roasted Algerian Chicken with Dijon and Spices
A traditional North African roasted chicken infused with mustard and warm Algerian spices for a fragrant and tender result. This african-inspired chicken ready in about 90 minutes pairs (about 4 lbs) whole chicken, Dijon mustard, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 (about 4 lbs) whole chicken
- 3 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Pat dry 1 whole chicken (about 4 lbs) with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 3 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp ground paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 4 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp lemon juice to create a thick spice rub.
- Step 3: Rub the mixture all over the chicken, including under the skin and inside the cavity for maximum flavor.
- Step 4: Place the chicken breast-side up on a roasting rack in a baking pan. Roast in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the juices run clear.
- Step 5: Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Roasted Algerian Chicken with Dijon and Spices take to make?
Total time is about 90 minutes (15 min prep + 75 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Roasted Algerian Chicken with Dijon and Spices?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (about 4 lbs) whole chicken from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Roasted Algerian Chicken with Dijon and Spices?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Roasted Algerian Chicken with Dijon and Spices for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Roasted Algerian Chicken with Dijon and Spices?
African chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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