Sour-Orange Yucatan Chickens Recipe

Name: Sour-Orange Yucatan Chickens
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 20 garlic cloves, halved; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 1 1/3 cups fresh orange juice; 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice; 1/4 cup pure ancho chile powder; 2 tablespoons hot paprika; 4 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more for seasoning; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; Two 3 1/2-pound chickens; 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon honey

Servings: persons

1
In a food processor, mince the garlic with the vegetable oil.
2
Add the orange and lemon juices, chile powder, paprika, salt and cumin and blend well.
3
Loosen the skin on the chicken breasts and around the legs.
4
Put each chicken in a bowl and cover with the marinade.
5
Rub the marinade under the skin and in the cavity.
6
Turn the chickens breast side up and refrigerate overnight.
7
Preheat the oven to 350.
8
Set the chickens breast side up in a large roasting pan and season with salt.
9
Add the marinade to the pan, along with 1 cup of water.
10
Bake for 1 hour.
11
Spoon 1/4 cup of the pan juices into a small bowl and stir in 3 tablespoons of the honey; pour over the chickens and bake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the inner thighs registers 160.
12
Drain the cavity juices into the roasting pan.
13
Transfer the chickens to a carving board to rest for 10 minutes.
14
Pour the pan juices into a saucepan.
15
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of honey, bring to a boil and season with salt.
16
Carve the chickens and serve with the sauce.

1000

kcal

Calories

Fat

195

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Swap the honey for maple syrup or agave for a slightly different but equally rich sweetness.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 10 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 20 garlic cloves, halved, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, 1 1/3 cups fresh orange juice, 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice, and more.

Yes, Sour-Orange Yucatan Chickens falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Sour-Orange Yucatan Chickens

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions