Garlic & Nduja Rice-Stuffed Chicken: A Burst of Flavors!

Preparation and cooking time made easy - Just 20 mins of prep and 1 hr 15 mins of cooking, plus resting time. This recipe serves 4-6, perfect for a delightful gathering. Get ready to experience a twist on roast chicken with a mouthwatering rice-based stuffing infused with the bold flavors of garlic and nduja. And guess what? It pairs beautifully with vibrant green vegetables and a delectable gravy!

Ingredients for your Culinary Adventure:

- 4 tbsp of heavenly olive oil

- 1 finely diced red onion for a pop of color

- 5 crushed garlic cloves to tantalize your taste buds

- 1½ tsp of aromatic cumin

- 1 tsp of zesty red pepper flakes

- ½ tsp of smoky paprika to add depth

- 30-40g of fiery nduja (or 50g of flavorful chorizo if you prefer a milder option)

- 130g of white or wholemeal long-grain rice, thoroughly rinsed

- 60g of unsalted butter for a luscious touch

- Zest of 1 tangy lemon to brighten up the dish

- 1 whole chicken (approximately 1.5kg) for the centerpiece of your feast

Let's Get Cooking - Step by Step:

STEP 1 - Embark on your culinary journey by heating half of the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Saute the diced onion until soft and delightfully golden, for about 10 mins. Stir in 3 crushed garlic cloves, 1 tsp of cumin, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, ½ tsp black pepper, and the sensational nduja (or chorizo if you prefer a milder kick). As the flavors mingle, let the nduja release its aromatic oils, creating a symphony of tastes. Cook for an additional 5 mins, allowing the ingredients to harmonize.

STEP 2 - It's time to introduce the rice to the party! Stir it into the tantalizing mixture until every grain is fully coated in the fragrant oil. Pour in 250ml of water, and let the rice cook uncovered, following the package instructions. Aim for a delightful balance between tender and slightly firm. Once achieved, remove from heat and set it aside, eagerly awaiting its grand entrance.

STEP 3 - Now, let's preheat the oven to a tantalizing 200C/180C fan/gas 6. In a burst of flavor, combine the butter with the remaining garlic, lemon zest, remaining cumin, and a pinch of salt. With utmost care, gently loosen the skin of the chicken breast, ensuring not to tear it. Begin from the widest part of the bird, working your way towards the neck, but not going all the way through. Extend your culinary adventure by loosening the skin above the legs as well. Embrace the moment as you lovingly massage the garlic butter under the skin, ensuring it reaches its deepest corners. Now, let the magic happen. Fill the cavity of the chicken with the tantalizing rice mixture, and gently tie the legs together to keep the goodness from spilling out.

STEP 4 - Prepare for a visually stunning masterpiece! Rub the chicken's skin with the remaining oil, and sprinkle it with a touch of salt. Allow it to roast in the oven for approximately 1 hr-1 hr 15 mins until cooked to perfection, with juices running clear. Remove the masterpiece from the oven and let it rest for 10 mins, eagerly anticipating the flavors to settle and intensify. Now, the moment you've been waiting for—carve the succulent chicken and serve it alongside vibrant green vegetables. For an extra touch of indulgence, create a tantalizing gravy from the flavorful juices. Get ready to delight in every mouthful!

When pairing wine with roast chicken with nduja and garlic rice, you'll want to consider the flavors and intensity of the dish. Here are a few wine suggestions that would complement the flavors:

1. Chardonnay: A medium-bodied Chardonnay with subtle oak and flavors of ripe apple and citrus can work well with the roasted chicken. It adds a touch of richness to complement the nduja and garlic rice.

2. Pinot Noir: A light to medium-bodied Pinot Noir with notes of red fruit, earthiness, and a hint of spice can provide a nice balance to the dish. Its acidity and versatility make it a great option for roast chicken.

3. Rosé: A dry, crisp, and fruity rosé can be a refreshing choice. Look for a rosé with a bit of body to match the flavors of the nduja and garlic rice while complementing the chicken.

4. Syrah/Shiraz: A medium to full-bodied Syrah/Shiraz with its dark fruit flavors, peppery notes, and hints of smokiness can pair well with the bold flavors of nduja and garlic rice.

5. Beaujolais: A lighter red wine like Beaujolais, made from Gamay grapes, can offer vibrant fruit flavors, lively acidity, and a touch of earthiness that complements the chicken dish without overpowering it.

When it comes to pairing beer with roast chicken with nduja and garlic rice, you'll want a beer that complements the flavors while refreshing your palate. Here are some beer styles that can work well:

1. Belgian Tripel: A Belgian Tripel with its complex flavors of fruity esters, spicy phenols, and a touch of sweetness can complement the richness of the dish. Its effervescence and higher alcohol content provide a nice contrast to the flavors.

2. Saison/Farmhouse Ale: Saison or Farmhouse Ale is a versatile beer style that pairs well with a variety of dishes. Its dry and slightly spicy character can complement the flavors of nduja and garlic rice while refreshing your palate.

3. Witbier: A Belgian-style Witbier with its light body, citrusy and herbal notes, and a touch of coriander can be a refreshing choice. The beer's crispness and subtle flavors can enhance the overall dining experience.

4. American Pale Ale: An American Pale Ale with its moderate hop bitterness, citrusy and floral hop flavors, and balanced malt backbone can provide a nice contrast to the richness of the dish. It adds a refreshing and slightly hoppy element to the pairing.

5. Amber Ale: An Amber Ale with its caramel malt sweetness, balanced hop bitterness, and toasty flavors can complement the roasted chicken while providing a smooth and malty profile.

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