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1
Toast cumin, coriander and cinnamon in a medium saucepan over low heat until fragrant.
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2
In a clean spice grinder or coffee grinder, blend spices until fine.
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3
Add the toasted spices to a bowl with paprika and cayenne.
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4
Season with kosher salt.
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5
Stir in the olive oil and lemon juice.
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6
Prepare chicken by splitting it down the back and removing the backbone, breast bone and rib cage.
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7
Lay the chicken out flat and rub the blended spices all over.
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8
Marinate for up to 4 hours or overnight.
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9
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
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10
Heat a large cast iron skillet (or other heavy oven-proof pan) over medium-high heat.
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11
When hot, add a 2 count of extra-virgin olive oil and place the chicken skin side down in the pan.
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12
Cover it with a second cast iron pan (you could also use a more traditional foil-wrapped brick) immediately so the skin doesn't have time to contract.
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13
Reduce the heat to medium and cook for 10 to 15 minutes until chicken is golden brown and has a nice crust.
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14
Finish cooking in the oven for a further 20 to 25 minutes.
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15
Internal temperature between the leg and thigh should register 165 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer, when cooked through.
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16
Serve with Mint Yogurt Dressing and Apricot Couscous.
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17
While chicken is cooking, combine yogurt, cilantro, mint, green onions, honey, lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, and salt and pepper, to taste, in a blender.
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18
Blend until mixture is fully combined and has a smooth consistency.
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19
In a medium saucepan add a 2 count of extra-virgin olive oil.
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20
Add the red onion, apricots and almonds and saute gently over low heat until translucent and slightly fragrant.
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21
Add the couscous then dump in the warm chicken broth.
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22
Stir with a fork to combine, add lemon zest and cover.
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23
Let sit for 10 minutes, then uncover and add the scallions, mint, and cilantro.
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24
Fluff again with a fork.
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25
Season, to taste, with salt and pepper.
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26
Toss gently to combine.
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27
Serve family-style on a large platter and garnish with fresh cilantro.