An all-star turmeric chicken recipe with a delicious citrus marinade and a variety of Eastern Mediterranean spices! I use bone-in skin-on chicken leg quarters, but you can use different chicken pieces if you like. Boneless chicken is an option as well, but be sure to check out my tips for how to adjust cooking time. Serve turmeric chicken and fennel with rice or a grain to soak up the sauce.
6piecesbone-in skin-on chicken, chicken legs or breasts, or a combination
2Oranges,unpeeled, sliced
1lime,thinly sliced (optional)
Instructions
Make the marinade. In a large bowl or deep dish, mix together the first six ingredients: olive oil, white wine, orange juice, lime juice, mustard and brown sugar.
In a small bowl, mix together the spices: turmeric, garlic powder, coriander, paprika , salt and pepper. Now, add about half of the spice mix to the liquid marinade. Mix to combine.
Pat the chicken pieces dry and generously season with the remainder of the spice mix. Be sure to lift the chicken skins slightly and apply some of the spice mix underneath the skin.
Add the seasoned chicken and the remaining ingredients to the large bowl of marinade. Work the chicken well into the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours (if you don't have time, you can skip the marinating).
When ready, preheat the oven to 475 degrees F. Transfer the chicken along with the marinade and everything else to a large baking pan so that everything is comfortably arranged in one layer. Be sure the chicken skin is facing up. Sprinkle with a dash or salt and more brown sugar, if you like.
Roast for 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the chicken skin has nicely browned. Internal chicken temperature should be 170 degrees F.
Video
Notes
How to know when chicken is cooked? Cooked chicken will have an internal temperature of 165°F when measured with a meat thermometer. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, cut the chicken open near a bone and examine the juices. If they are bloody or pink, the chicken still needs time. When the juices run clear, the chicken is cooked.
What to serve with turmeric chicken: Rice or another grain works well so that you don’t waste any of the sublime golden sauce. I like Lebanese rice or plain basmati rice here. You could also definitely serve turmeric chicken with a salad, whether you want a crunchy cucumber salad, or a more substantial farro salad or bean salad.
How to store leftovers: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Use a glass container so the turmeric doesn't stain.