Roasted Ras El Hanout Chicken with Pomegranate Glaze
Tender roasted chicken coated in a fragrant Ras El Hanout spice blend and finished with a tangy pomegranate molasses glaze. This middle eastern-inspired chicken ready in about 90 minutes pairs whole chicken, ras el hanout spice blend, pomegranate molasses for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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
- 4 lbs whole chicken
- 3 tbsp ras el hanout spice blend
- 2 tbsp pomegranate molasses
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F. In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons ras el hanout spice blend, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 4 minced garlic cloves. Rub this spice mixture all over the 4-pound whole chicken, ensuring even coating.
- Step 2: Drizzle 3 tablespoons olive oil and 2 tablespoons lemon juice over the chicken, massaging it in to infuse flavor. Place the chicken breast-side up on a roasting rack inside a roasting pan.
- Step 3: Roast the chicken in the preheated 425°F oven for 50 minutes, then reduce heat to 375°F and brush the chicken with 2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses. Continue roasting for an additional 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the skin is golden and slightly caramelized.
- Step 4: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve with any pan juices drizzled on top.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Roasted Ras El Hanout Chicken with Pomegranate Glaze 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 Ras El Hanout Chicken with Pomegranate Glaze?
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 whole chicken from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Roasted Ras El Hanout Chicken with Pomegranate Glaze?
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 Ras El Hanout Chicken with Pomegranate Glaze 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 Ras El Hanout Chicken with Pomegranate Glaze?
Middle Eastern 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.