Lemon Spiced Chicken with Apple Mint Salsa

Lemon Spiced Chicken with Apple Mint Salsa
 
Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 3¼ lb (1.7 kg) whole chicken
  • ½ cup softened butter
  • 1 tbsp finely grated lemon zest
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp crushed dried chilies
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp cracked black pepper
Apple Mint Salsa
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 medium green apples, peeled, cored and chopped
  • 1 tsp packed brown sugar
  • salt and cracked black pepper
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • 2 oz (609 g) feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
  1. Preheat the barbecue to medium high.
  2. Rinse the chicken inside and out with cold water and pat dry with a paper towel.
  3. Carefully run your fingers underneath the skin of the chicken loosening it from the flesh but do not remove.
  4. Combine the remaining ingredients in a small bowl.
  5. Spread the mixture evenly between the skin and the flesh of the chicken across the breast and legs.
  6. Tie the legs together and tuck the wings behind.
  7. Turn one burner off on the barbecue and grease the grill on the unlit side.
  8. Cook the chicken, breast side up on the greased grill, using indirect heat and close the lid.
  9. Cook for about 1½ hours or until cooked and the juices run clear when the chicken is pierced around the thickest part of the thigh bone (or when a meat thermometer reads 180°F (82°C) when inserted into the thickest part of the thigh).
  10. Cover with foil to keep warm and let stand for 10 minutes before carving.
  11. To make the apple mint salsa: heat the oil in a medium frying pan over medium high heat.
  12. Add the apples and cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until lightly browned.
  13. Add the sugar and stir until dissolved.
  14. Place the apples into a medium bowl, let cool slightly.
  15. Add the remaining ingredients and stir gently to combine.
  16. Serve with the chicken.
Notes
Make Ahead: The chicken can be prepared a day ahead and stored, covered in the refrigerator. Remove the chicken from the refrigerator 30 to 60 minutes before cooking. The salsa is best made just before serving.

Serving Suggestion: Serve with roasted potatoes and corn.