This Mediterranean inspired recipe is a one pot dish and one that is easy to prepare.It's full of intense and vibrant flavors that everyone will love.
4 chicken leg quarters (thigh and drumstick attached)
salt and freshly ground black pepper
olive oil, for basting
Spice Rub:
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 c. Aleppo pepper (can be found on Amazon or World Market or make a combination of hot smoked paprika and cayenne)
1/4 c. finely minced fresh rosemary
1/4 c. olive oil
Olive Herb Mix:
1 c. cracked olives, or other green olives of choice, torn
1/4 c. freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/4 c. olive oil
1/4 c. freshly chopped oregano leaves
1/2 c. freshly chopped parsley
garnish: lemon wedges and fresh parsley
Season chicken with salt and pepper on all sides.
Mix together the spice rub ingredients; massage all over the chicken.
Put the chicken in a large heavy casserole dish in a single layer; cover; let sit at room temperature for 1 hour.
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.
Mix together the olives, herbs, oil and lemon juice; set aside.
Cook chicken for 40 minutes, or until a deep golden brown. Drizzle with olive oil at least twice during baking to get a crisp golden skin. A thermometer inserted between the leg and thigh should read 160 degrees.
Cover loosely with foil; let rest for 15 minutes.
Serve chicken topped with the olive mixture and fresh parsley scattered on top.
6-8 servings.