Yucatan Roasted Chicken Breast Recipe

I’m about to introduce you to a mind-blowing chicken recipe that’s not just a dish, but a full-on flavor adventure; think juicy, citrusy vibes mixed with a smoky spice kick that’ll have you questioning every chicken dish you’ve known before. Let’s transcend the ordinary together, shall we?

I create dishes that are both flavorful and nutritious. My Yucatan Roasted Chicken Breast is no exception.

Infused with a zesty blend of fresh orange and lime juices and spices like smoked paprika and cumin, this recipe offers a vibrant taste that is rich in protein and packed with vitamins. The chicken is so aromatic and tasty that we don’t even drizzle it with the sauce that I make to serve alongside it – a simple, spiced-up sour cream that gets an extra kick from minced garlic and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

Yucatan Roasted Chicken Breast Recipe Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: High in protein, promoting muscle growth and repair.
• Fresh orange juice: Adds a sweet and tangy flavor, rich in Vitamin C.
• Fresh lime juice: Provides a zesty kick and enhances nutrient absorption.
• Olive oil: Heart-healthy fat, supports inflammation reduction.
• Garlic: Offers antioxidant properties, immune system support.
• Dried oregano: Antimicrobial benefits, adds aromatic depth.
• Ground cumin: Earthy flavor, aids digestion.
• Smoked paprika: Enhances smokiness, rich in antioxidants.
• Allspice: Gives warmth, aids digestion.

Yucatan Roasted Chicken Breast Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 2 large chicken breasts, skin-on and bone-in
• 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Lime wedges (for serving)

How to Make this Yucatan Roasted Chicken Breast Recipe

1. In a mixing bowl, mix orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, ground allspice, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until everything is well combined.

2. In a big resealable plastic bag or shallow bowl, place the chicken breasts. Marinade the chicken. It sounds simple, and it is. But this overnight method transforms basic boneless, skinless chicken breasts into a flavorful main dish. When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the bag or bowl and discard any leftover marinade. Grill, bake, or pan-sear the chicken to your liking.

3. Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C) beforehand.

4. Take the chicken from the marinade and shake off the extra. Throw out the marinade.

5. Put the chicken breasts, with the skin facing up, in a roasting pan or on a baking sheet. Line the pan or baking sheet with foil to make cleanup easy.

6. Cook the chicken in the oven that has been heated to the temperature it should be at. Don’t bother basting. Resist the urge to peek. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes and at the very least, make sure the internal temperature reads 165°F and the skin looks as if it could crack with a single tap. Use an instant-read thermometer for best results.

7. Take the chicken out of the oven and permit it to sit for 5 to 10 minutes so the juices can redistribute throughout the bird.

8. Cut the chicken breast into slices and move them to a serving dish.

9. Add freshly chopped cilantro to the chicken as a garnish.

10. Serve with wedges of lime on the side for squeezing over the chicken before eating.

Yucatan Roasted Chicken Breast Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Mixing bowl
2. Whisk
3. Resealable plastic bag or shallow bowl
4. Roasting pan or baking sheet
5. Aluminum foil
6. Instant-read thermometer
7. Cutting board
8. Knife
9. Serving dish

FAQ

• What is the best way to ensure the chicken breasts remain juicy?Roasting the chicken with the skin on and the bones in helps keep the moisture in, so the chicken is juicy and tasty.
• How long should the chicken marinate?For the best results, let the chicken soak in the marinade for at least 30 minutes and up to 8 hours for an intensively flavored experience.
• Can I substitute the citrus juices?Certainly! If you can’t obtain lime, you can substitute lemon juice, but try to have some lime on hand for serving, as it intensifies the real-deal Yucatán flavor.
• Is there an alternative to fresh cilantro for garnish?If cilantro isn’t your thing, freshly chopped parsley can offer a clean, herbal finish without changing the flavor profile much.
• What is the ideal oven temperature for roasting?Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is the ideal temperature for roasting, guaranteeing that the skin gets crisp in contrast to the cooking meat, which is done evenly from top to bottom and in the center.
• How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?The chicken is done when the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C). The best way to check this is with a meat thermometer, placed in the thickest part of the breast.
• Is it possible to use a grill instead of an oven for roasting?Definitely! Grilling is a fantastic way to cook chicken. Heat your grill to medium-high and cook your chicken until it has a nice char and is cooked through to an internal temperature of about 165°F (74°C).

Yucatan Roasted Chicken Breast Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Use 1/4 cup of pineapple juice, instead of fresh orange juice, for a tropical twist.
Replace lime juice with lemon juice for a slightly different citrus flavor.
Substitute avocado oil instead of olive oil for a deliciously nutty taste.
To substitute for ground cumin, use 1 teaspoon of ground coriander.
If you can’t find smoked paprika, replace it with regular paprika plus a drop of liquid smoke. This will give you the same effect.

Pro Tips

1. Marinate for Flavor For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors from the orange and lime juice, along with the spices, to deeply penetrate the chicken.

2. Room Temperature Prep Before cooking, let the marinated chicken sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps it cook more evenly in the oven.

3. Skin-On Advantage Cooking the chicken with the skin on not only adds flavor but also keeps the meat juicy. For extra crispy skin, pat it dry before placing it in the oven.

4. Resting Time Allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes after roasting. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring it remains moist when you cut into it.

5. Cilantro Enhancement If you enjoy cilantro, consider adding some to the marinade as well as using it for garnish. This can amplify the fresh, herbaceous element in the dish.