Mediterranean Roast Chicken with Rooibos, Lemon & Herb Oil
Experience the soul of the Mediterranean with a recipe that is both simple and sublime. The new Medoro Extra Virgin Olive Oil is 100% Mediterranean, a golden elixir crafted to elevate every dish. In this exquisite recipe for Mediterranean Roast Chicken, the oil’s distinctive notes are infused with fragrant rooibos, zesty lemon, and aromatic herbs. The result is a beautifully succulent chicken, roasted to perfection and surrounded by tender, savoury vegetables. It’s an effortless masterpiece that brings the warmth and elegance of a sun-drenched meal right to your table.
Chef Shaun
COOK TIME
1.5 hrs
PREP TIME
20 min
SERVES
4-6 guests
Recipe
INGREDIENTS
For the chicken & marinade
- 1 whole free-range chicken (1.5–1.8 kg)
- 2 rooibos tea bags
- 1 cup boiling water
- ½ cup Willow Creek Medoro Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Zest & juice of 2 lemons
- 4 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the roasting vegetables
- 500 g baby potatoes, halved
- 250 g cherry tomatoes on the vine
- 1 large red onion, cut into wedges
- 2 tbsp Willow Creek Medoro Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Pinch of sea salt & cracked black pepper
To serve
- Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs
- Lemon wedges
- Extra drizzle of Willow Creek Medoro EVOO
INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1: Infuse the rooibos
- Steep the rooibos tea bags in 1 cup of boiling water for 5 minutes. Remove the bags and allow the tea to cool.
Step 2: Make the lemon & herb oil
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the Medoro EVOO, cooled rooibos, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, rosemary, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Marinate the chicken
- Pat the chicken dry with kitchen paper. Place it in a large roasting dish and pour over the rooibos-lemon-herb oil, rubbing it all over the chicken, including under the skin where possible.
- Reserve 2–3 tablespoons of the marinade for basting later.
- Marinate at least 1 hour (or overnight in the fridge for deeper flavour).
Step 4: Roast the chicken
- Preheat the oven to 200°C.
- Arrange baby potatoes, cherry tomatoes, and red onion wedges around the chicken. Drizzle with Medoro EVOO and season lightly.
- Roast for 1 hr 15–20 minutes, basting the chicken with reserved oil halfway.
- Test by piercing the thickest part of the thigh — juices should run clear.
Step 5: Rest & serve
- Allow the chicken to rest for 10 minutes before carving.
- Serve on a platter with the roast vegetables, pan juices spooned over, fresh herbs, and a final drizzle of Medoro Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
Willow Creek Olive Products
Medoro Extra Virgin Olive Oil
R129.00
100% Mediterranean Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
We’ve partnered with trusted extra virgin olive oil producers across the Mediterranean, each sharing our fierce dedication to crafting the finest EVOO. This dedication ensures that every golden drop of Medoro embodies the rich heritage and exceptional standards you expect.
WILLOW CREEK OLIVE PRODUCTS
Product Range
Willow Creek Olive Products strives to be the preferred South African extra virgin olive oil brand by developing a diversified range of quality, ethical and trusted products that promote a healthy lifestyle. Our versatile range of premium olive-based products is constantly evolving to accommodate the culinary and sensory demands of consumers and connoisseurs alike.