Roast Chicken Lebanese Style
Lebanese-style roast chicken stuffed with spiced rice and meat, featuring fragrant cinnamon, cumin, and pine nuts, perfect for gatherings and flavorful family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash the roasting hen inside and out well.
- Mix rice, lean hamburger, cumin, cinnamon, allspice, oregano, salt, and black pepper together.
- Melt butter and cook pine nuts until light brown.
- Pour the cooked pine nuts and melted butter into the rice mixture and mix well.
- Stuff the rice and meat mixture into the hen and secure with string to keep the stuffing inside.
- Boil the stuffed hen in a large pan for about 2 hours.
- After boiling, place the hen in a roasting pan and bake slowly for about 1 to 2 hours until tender and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the hen in a mixture of yogurt and lemon juice for a few hours before cooking. If you can't find pine nuts, walnuts or almonds can be excellent substitutes. Make sure to check the hen's internal temperature; it should reach at least 165°F for safe consumption.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the roast chicken with a side of tabbouleh or a fresh salad made with Swiss Lettuce for a refreshing contrast. Drizzle some of the cooking juices over the chicken for added moisture and flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with Mincemeat(Canned) for a unique twist on traditional sides.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also microwave slices, but be cautious not to dry them out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Roast Chicken Lebanese Style contains roughly 487 calories, with 15g protein, 102g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (162% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (130% of the Daily Value), and calcium (86% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 468mg per serving (20% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with a duck or turkey for a different flavor profile. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary based on the size and type of meat used, so be sure to adjust accordingly.
What can I do if I have leftover stuffing?
If you have extra stuffing, consider baking it separately in a small dish with a little broth or melted butter until hot and crispy. It makes a delicious side dish and is perfect for serving alongside the roast chicken.
How can I ensure the chicken remains moist during cooking?
To ensure the chicken stays moist, baste it occasionally with its own juices during roasting. Additionally, covering the chicken with foil for the first part of cooking can help retain moisture, removing it toward the end for a crispy skin.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).