Dajaj Mashwi (Authentic Middle Eastern Grilled Chicken)

🛒 Ingredients

• Whole Chicken 1500 g · 3225 kcal
• Plain Yogurt (full fat) 200 g · 120 kcal
• Lemon Juice 60 g · 13 kcal
• Garlic, minced 15 g · 22 kcal
• Olive Oil 30 g · 265 kcal
• Ground Paprika 5 g · 16 kcal
• Ground Cumin 5 g · 19 kcal
• Ground Coriander 5 g · 14 kcal
• Ground Turmeric 3 g · 11 kcal
• Black Pepper 2 g · 5 kcal

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. Rinse the whole chicken thoroughly and pat it dry with paper towels; score the skin deeply in several places, especially on the breast and thighs, to allow the marinade to penetrate.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, paprika, cumin, coriander, turmeric, black pepper, and 8g of salt to create the marinade.
3. Place the chicken in a large resealable bag or a non-reactive dish, pour the marinade over it, ensuring it's fully coated inside and out; massage the marinade into the chicken.
4. Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, for best flavor.
5. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) or prepare your grill for medium-high indirect heat.
6. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off; if roasting, place it on a rack in a roasting pan; if grilling, place it over indirect heat.
7. Roast or grill the chicken for 60-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F) at the thickest part, basting occasionally with any leftover marinade during the first half of cooking.
8. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven or grill, tent it loosely with foil, and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving and serving.