Roast Chicken with Lemony Harissa Glaze

4 scallions, trimmed and coarsely chopped (1/2 cup)
1 tablespoon coarsely chopped garlic (from 2 to 3 cloves)
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest and 1 tablespoon fresh juice (from 1 lemon), plus 1 more lemon, peel and pith removed, cut into 1/8-inch rounds
1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh ginger (from a peeled 2-inch piece)
1 cup packed cilantro
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon harissa paste
Kosher salt
1 whole chicken (3 1/2 to 4 pounds)
2 small onions, cut into 1/4-inch rounds
1/3 cup Meyer-Lemon and Cardamom Marmalade or high-quality store-bought lemon marmalade, coarsely chopped

Step 1

In a food processor, pulse scallions, garlic, lemon zest, ginger, and cilantro until finely chopped. Add oil, harissa, lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon salt; process until a paste forms.
Step 2

Using kitchen shears, remove backbone from chicken. Place, breast-side up, on a cutting board; press down with your hands to flatten. Spread half of paste under and over skin and over cavity side. Arrange onions in a large cast-iron skillet. Place chicken on top, skin-side up. Let stand at room temperature 1 hour, or refrigerate, uncovered, up to 8 hours. (Bring to room temperature before roasting.)
Step 3

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Arrange half of lemon rounds on chicken. Roast 25 minutes. Combine remaining paste and marmalade; brush chicken with mixture and top with remaining lemon rounds. Roast until a thermometer inserted in thickest part of thigh (not touching bone) reads 155 degrees, about 20 minutes more. Let stand 10 minutes; serve.

Recipe details