Ancho-Chili-and-Porcini-Rubbed Chicken
Recipe created by Jewels and Jill Elmore
Spices, including a "secret ingredient" from Down Under called wattleseed, coat this perfectly seared chicken dish. If you're looking to tame the flavors, try the Jewels and Jill's recipe for Mashed Yams to serve as a side. 

This recipe is from Jewels and Jill's Healthy Festive Menu.
Servings: Serves 6–8
Ingredients
  • 1 tsp. ancho chili powder
  • 2 Tbsp. ground wattleseed (available at SouthFWB.com)
  • 2 Tbsp. porcini mushroom powder (available at TheSpiceHouse.com)
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1 Tbsp. salt
  • 2 whole chickens , about 2 1/2 to 3 pounds each
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • Mashed yams (Get the recipe)
Directions
Note: We recommend asking your butcher to bone the whole chicken for you, keeping the breast intact (alternatively, cut chicken into quarters, leaving bones inside). Ground wattleseed is an Australian spice that is not common in the United States; Jewels calls it her "secret ingredient." For extra heat, add another teaspoon of ancho chili powder.

To make ancho-porcini rub: Mix ancho chili powder, ground wattleseed, porcini mushroom powder, garlic powder, and salt in a small bowl.

Wash chicken; dry with paper towels, removing as much moisture as possible. Drizzle 3 tablespoons olive oil all over chicken, and rub in well to lightly coat entire surface.

Cover chicken with ancho-porcini rub, massaging it in to infuse the flavors. Set aside 10 to 15 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350°. Heat a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add remaining olive oil. Sear chicken skin side down until deep brown and crisp, about 6 minutes. Flip and repeat. Finish cooking in oven, about 30 more minutes depending on size of chicken. It is done when a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°. (Alternatively, grill chicken: Preheat grill to medium-high. Cook chicken skin side down 8 to 10 minutes, then flip and cook for same amount of time on other side. If using pieces with bones, cook about 20 minutes on each side.)

Let chicken rest 10 minutes before serving. Arrange on plates with mashed yams on the side; serve. 
From the September 2009 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine