Bahamian Baked Chicken with Lime and Herbs
A flavorful and tender baked chicken dish seasoned with Bahamian spices, fresh lime, and aromatic herbs. This recipe offers a taste of home-style Bahamian cooking, perfect for a family meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 medium Whole chicken(about 3.5-4 lbs, cleaned and washed)
- 2 large Limes(1 for juicing, 1 cut into wedges for stuffing)
- 1 tbsp Complete Seasoning
- 1 tbsp Paprika
- 1 tbsp Garlic Salt
- 1 tbsp Mrs. Dash Seasoning (or similar salt-free blend)
- 1 tbsp Turmeric
- 1 tbsp Garlic Powder
- 1 large Garlic Clove(cut up for stuffing)
- 0.5 medium Onion(cut up for stuffing)
- 0.5 medium Bell Pepper(cut up for stuffing)
- 1 stalk Celery Stalk(cut up for stuffing)
- 0.5 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.25 tsp Black Pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Clean and wash the chicken thoroughly, using vinegar and water if desired, then rinse well.
- 2
Squeeze the juice of one lime over the chicken, both inside and out. Place the cut-up garlic clove, half onion, half bell pepper, and celery stalk into the cavity of the chicken.
- 3
In a small bowl, combine the Complete Seasoning, paprika, garlic salt, Mrs. Dash, turmeric, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- 4
Rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken, ensuring it's well coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 10 minutes while the oven preheats.
- 5
Place the chicken in a baking pan. You can truss the legs if desired. Add the remaining lime, cut into wedges, into the cavity or around the chicken.
- 6
Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear when pierced with a fork or knife. Baste the chicken with its own juices occasionally during baking for extra moisture.
- 7
Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving and serving. Serve with your favorite Bahamian sides.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a crispier skin, you can increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last 10-15 minutes of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- ✓Feel free to add other herbs like thyme or rosemary to the cavity for additional flavor.
- ✓Ensure the chicken is completely thawed before seasoning and baking.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.
- You can also use chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, breasts) instead of a whole chicken, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.