Upside-Down Roasted Chicken Over Flavored Rice 🍗🍚

1. Prepare the Chicken: 🍗
   • 🧼 Clean and pat dry the whole chicken.
   • 🥄 In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
   • 🤲 Rub this marinade all over the chicken, including under the skin where possible. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for more flavor).
2. Prepare the Rice: 🍚
   • 🚿 Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
   • 🍳 In a large oven-safe dish, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, sauté until translucent.
   • 🌾 Add the rice, cinnamon, paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Stir for 2 minutes until the rice is lightly toasted.
   • 💧 Pour in the chicken broth (or water), stir, and add a tablespoon of butter. Set aside.
3. Arrange in the Oven: 🔥
   • 🌡️ Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • 🥘 Place the prepared rice mixture evenly in the oven-safe dish.
   • 🔗 Position the oven rack above the rice dish. Carefully place the marinated chicken upside down on the rack, with its cavity facing downward. Secure the legs with skewers or kitchen twine to maintain balance.
   • 💦 This arrangement allows the chicken’s juices to drip directly onto the rice, infusing it with rich flavors.
4. Roasting: 🍗🔥
   • ⏲️ Roast for about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the size of the chicken.
   • 👀 Occasionally check the rice. If it looks too dry, add a bit more broth.
   • ✅ The chicken is done when its skin is golden and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Finishing Touches: 🌟
   • ⏸️ Remove the chicken and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.
   • 🍴 Fluff the rice gently with a fork to distribute the flavorful drippings evenly.
6. Serve: 🍽️
   • 🍗 Place the carved chicken over the fragrant rice. Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon slices if desired.

Tips: 💡

• 🔥 For extra crispy skin, brush the chicken with melted butter during the last 15 minutes of roasting.
• 🥕 Add vegetables like carrots or bell peppers to the rice for a complete meal.

Enjoy your juicy, flavorful roasted chicken with perfectly infused rice! 😋🍗🍚