Name: Savory Kefta Roasted Chicken with Garlic and Shallots Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 90 min
Ingredients: 1 whole chicken (about 4 lb); 3 tablespoons Villa Jerada Kefta rub for chicken; 1 teaspoon Kosher salt; 3-5 Shallots (cut in quarters lengthwise); 3 medium Lemons (cut into quarters); 2 whole Garlic bulbs (tops cut to expose the cloves); 2-3 tablespoons Olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper; 1 cup Chicken stock; 1/4 cup Fresh parsley (chopped); Fresh thyme sprigs (optional)

When the aroma of roasted garlic and shallots wafts through my kitchen, it feels like an invitation to gather around the table and share stories over a delicious meal. This Kefta Roasted Chicken recipe takes that experience to a whole new level, transforming a classic dish into a sensational feast with an exotic twist. I remember the first time I experimented with Villa Jerada’s Kefta rub — it was like a spark ignited in my cooking routine.

Imagine a perfectly roasted chicken, golden and succulent, seasoned to perfection, surrounded by sweet shallots and zesty lemon, all mingling in a savory broth. This dish not only satisfies your cravings but also makes weeknight dinners an occasion to look forward to. Whether you’re cooking for family or trying to impress friends, this recipe is as simple as it is impressive. So, let’s bring that vibrant flavor and warmth into our homes — your taste buds are in for a delightful journey!

Why is Kefta Roasted Chicken a must-try?

Flavor Explosion: The use of Villa Jerada Kefta rub elevates the chicken with a unique blend of spices that will tantalize your taste buds.

Tender and Juicy: This roasting technique ensures every bite of chicken is succulent and filled with flavor, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Quick and Easy: Despite its gourmet appeal, this recipe requires minimal prep, ideal for those busy weeknights when you still want to impress your guests.

Versatile Ingredients: The combination of garlic, shallots, and lemons creates a delightful garnish that complements the chicken beautifully, adding depth to every bite.

Showstopper Presentation: Serve this stunning dish straight from the oven, and watch as your family and friends marvel at their meal. Elevate your dinner plans with this simple yet extraordinary recipe!

Kefta Roasted Chicken Ingredients

• Here’s everything you need for a flavorful feast!

For the Chicken

Whole chicken – about 4 lb; a staple choice for a moist and tender roast.
Villa Jerada Kefta rub for chicken – 3 tablespoons; this spice blend gives the chicken an aromatic, exotic flair.
Kosher salt – 1 teaspoon; essential for enhancing flavor throughout the chicken.

For the Sides

Shallots – 3-5, cut in quarters lengthwise; these add a sweet and savory touch that caramelizes beautifully.
Lemons – 3 medium, cut into quarters; their brightness balances the richness of the chicken.
Garlic bulbs – 2 whole, tops cut to expose the cloves; roasting garlic makes it sweet and spreadable, perfect for garnish.

For Cooking

Olive oil – 2-3 tablespoons; helps to keep the chicken moist while adding richness.
Black pepper – 1/2 teaspoon; fresh ground pepper elevates the overall flavor.
Chicken stock – 1 cup; it enhances the moisture and creates a tasty broth in the pan.

For Garnish

Fresh parsley – 1/4 cup, chopped; adds a pop of color and fresh flavor before serving.
Optional: Fresh thyme sprigs, parsley – for additional aromatic notes to finish your dish beautifully.

Get ready to savor every bite of this Kefta Roasted Chicken!

How to Make Kefta Roasted Chicken

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures a golden, crispy skin while keeping the meat juicy. Set the stage for your delightful roast!
Season the chicken generously with 3 tablespoons of Villa Jerada Kefta rub and 1 teaspoon of Kosher salt, making sure to cover every inch. This is where the magic begins!
Drizzle 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil into a large roasting pan. The oil will help create a luscious base while enhancing flavors during roasting.
Place the seasoned chicken in the pan. Position it breast-side up to allow the skin to crisp and the juices to flow down, making every bite succulent.
Arrange the shallots, lemon quarters, and garlic bulbs around the chicken. They’ll infuse the meat with wonderful flavors as they roast together with the chicken.
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of Villa Jerada Kefta rub, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt evenly over the ingredients in the pan. This adds a well-rounded flavor profile.
Pour in 1 cup of chicken stock around the chicken. This will keep everything moist and create a delicious broth for drizzling over your finished dish.
Roast in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear, about 165°F (74°C) internal temperature. Let the aroma fill your home!
Garnish with fresh parsley and optional thyme sprigs before serving. This final touch adds a burst of color and freshness to your beautiful roasted chicken.

Optional: Serve with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Kefta Roasted Chicken?

Elevate your dining experience with delightful sides that perfectly complement this savory dish, making every bite a joy.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Silky and buttery, they provide a comforting base that soaks up the delicious juices from the chicken.
Garlic Green Beans: Fresh green beans sautéed with garlic offer a crisp, vibrant contrast that enhances the roasted flavors of the chicken.
Mediterranean Couscous: Light and fluffy, this couscous infused with herbs will balance out the richness of the chicken while adding a touch of zest.
Roasted Root Vegetables: Carrots and sweet potatoes caramelized in the oven bring natural sweetness, offering delicious flavor harmony with the Kefta rub.
Citrusy Quinoa Salad: Bright and refreshing, this salad features lemon and parsley, echoing the zesty lemon used in the roasting process.
Homemade Tzatziki: Creamy yogurt mixed with cucumber and dill provides a cooling effect to balance the warm spices of the roasted chicken.
Garlic Bread: Crusty and warm, it’s perfect for mopping up the savory broth from the roasting pan, ensuring not a drop goes to waste.
Pomegranate Glazed Brussels Sprouts: Their tartness adds a delightful contrast, with the crunchy texture enhancing your meal’s overall experience.
Lemonade or White Wine: A refreshing lemonade or a chilled glass of white wine can cleanse the palate and elevate the whole dining experience.

With these sides, your Kefta Roasted Chicken becomes the star of an unforgettable meal, inviting laughter and togetherness around the table.

Tips for the Best Kefta Roasted Chicken

Prep Ahead: Prepare the chicken and season it with the Kefta rub the night before. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeply for a more delicious roast.

Don’t Rush Cooking: Always ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Cooking too quickly can lead to dryness, while slow roasting keeps it juicy.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and shallots yield the best flavor. Avoid processed versions for a vibrant taste that makes a difference in your Kefta Roasted Chicken.

Rest the Chicken: Let the chicken rest for at least 10-15 minutes after roasting. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is as succulent as possible.

Pan Sauces: Use the delicious roasting juices left in the pan to create a simple sauce. Just strain and simmer with a bit of fresh herbs for an extra burst of flavor!

Make Ahead Options

These Kefta Roasted Chicken preparations are ideal for busy home cooks! You can season the chicken with the Villa Jerada Kefta rub and salt up to 24 hours before roasting. Just cover it tightly in the fridge to maintain its flavor and moisture. Additionally, you can chop the shallots and lemons, as well as prepare the garlic bulbs, up to 3 days in advance. Keep them stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to preserve freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy your meal, simply arrange everything in the roasting pan, pour in the chicken stock, and roast as directed. This way, you’ll savor a delicious, home-cooked dinner with minimal effort!

How to Store and Freeze Kefta Roasted Chicken

Fridge: Store any leftover Kefta Roasted Chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days to keep it fresh and flavorful, ready for your next meal.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Be sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, ensuring it remains juicy and tender.

Room Temperature: Avoid letting Kefta Roasted Chicken sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours to maintain food safety.

Kefta Roasted Chicken Variations

Feel free to get creative and make this dish your own with these delightful twists!

Herb-Infused: Add fresh rosemary or thyme into the roasting pan for a fragrant herbaceous note that elevates the dish into a garden-fresh delight.
Citrus Burst: Swap out lemons for oranges or grapefruits to give a sweet citrus twist that brightens up the flavor profile beautifully.
Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for those who crave a little heat in their roasted chicken. It adds a surprisingly bold layer of taste.
Vegetable Medley: Add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or zucchini to the roasting pan for a one-pan dinner that’s packed with colors and flavors. They’ll soak up all those delicious juices!
Sweet & Savory: Incorporate halved figs or dried apricots around the chicken; their natural sweetness balances the savory flavors and creates a unique dish.
Creamy Sauce: After roasting, blend the pan drippings with a bit of heavy cream to create a rich sauce that drizzles beautifully over the chicken, adding luxurious texture.
Smoky Flavor: Use smoked paprika in place of regular paprika in your Kefta rub for a depth of flavor that gives the chicken a delightful charred taste.
Nutty Crunch: Add slivered almonds or pine nuts on top of the chicken halfway through roasting. This offers a delightful crunch and some added layer of flavor.

Kefta Roasted Chicken Recipe FAQs

What should I look for when selecting a whole chicken?
When choosing a whole chicken, look for a bird that feels firm and heavy for its size. The skin should be a light cream or yellow color without dark spots or blemishes. A fresh chicken will also have no unpleasant odor. I often select organic or free-range options for their flavor and texture, though any good-quality chicken should work beautifully for this Kefta Roasted Chicken recipe.

How should I store leftovers of Kefta Roasted Chicken?
Absolutely! Store your leftover Kefta Roasted Chicken in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Just allow the chicken to cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe bag, making sure to squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

Can I freeze Kefta Roasted Chicken?
Yes, you can! To freeze your Kefta Roasted Chicken, ensure it has completely cooled down first. Then, place it in a sturdy freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To defrost, simply transfer it to the refrigerator the night before you plan to serve it again. This helps it thaw gently, retaining its moisture and flavor.

What should I do if my chicken is not cooking evenly?
Very good question! If your chicken isn’t cooking evenly, it might be due to uneven oven heat. I recommend rotating the pan halfway through the cooking time to ensure even roasting. Another tip is to check the temperature in several places, especially the thickest part of the thigh and breast—both should read at least 165°F (74°C) when done. If necessary, you can cover parts of the chicken with foil that are browning too quickly.

Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Yes! If you’re cooking for guests with food allergies, keep in mind that this Kefta Roasted Chicken contains garlic, and the Villa Jerada Kefta rub may include spices that not everyone can eat. Always check the ingredients in the rub for potential allergens or gluten. For a more family-friendly option, you may substitute herbs you know are safe for everyone, such as oregano or rosemary, in place of the Kefta rub’s spices.