Tamarind Cumin Roast Chicken

My Tamarind Cumin Roast Chicken is my go-to dinner for two. Seasoned with a delicious tamarind sauce this meal takes minimal time to prepare, plus the oven does most of the work. I am excited to be partnering with Land O’ Lakes this year to bring you exciting new recipes. Thank you for supporting the brands I collaborate with.

Tamarind Cumin Roast Chicken

Life has been hectic lately. Between the packing, moving and unpacking, I have been so busy that it has been impossible to get a few moments with mi carino.

At our old place, we used to have a monthly date night. We would send the kids to bed early, settle into the living room and enjoy a delicious meal together. No reservations, no driving, no sitters, no traffic, no pressure — just us together in the comfort of our home enjoying a quiet meal for two.

Roast chicken is one the most requested dinner for two meals for our date night as it is simplicity at its best and the smell of roast chicken evokes comfort.  What I love about roast chicken is it takes minimal time to prepare, add a few seasonings then tuck into a preheated oven. The oven does most of the work while allowing me time to prepare a simple salad or tackle that never-ending pile of laundry.

Tip #1: Be sure to pat your chicken completely dry with paper towels before brushing on the sauce. This helps to ensure a crispy skin.

My mami seasons her roast chile with a chile guajillo paste and plenty of cumin which result in a mildly spicy roast chicken. As much as I love guajillo chicken, I wanted to season my chicken with a touch of sweetness. I reached for tamarind which I often use in my cooking. Tamarind gives my recipes warmth, sweetness and helps to caramelize the dish wonderfully.

You can find fresh tamarind pods with the produce or buy it by the bag in the Latin aisle of your grocery store. For this recipe, I went the much, much easier route by picking up a jar of tamarind jelly to season my chicken with. I combined tamarind jelly, Land O Lakes® Salted Butter in Half Sticks over low heat. Then I added ground cumin, salt, and pepper to create a golden brown sauce for my chicken.

For this recipe, I partnered with Land O’Lakes to feature the half stick butter to develop a delicious dinner for two. Land O Lakes® Salted Butter in Half Sticks is the all-purpose butter that’s great for every use, every day. Now it’s available in premeasured, easy-to-use half sticks, individually wrapped to keep the butter tasting fresher longer.

Tip #2: Be sure to allow your chicken to rest for at least ten minutes before carving. Resting the chicken allows the juices to redistribute which result in a juicy, flavorful chicken.