Cilantro Lime Roast Chicken with Honey

This is the sort of chicken I make when I want dinner on the table without standing over a hob. The glaze is a simple mix of honey, garlic, lime and cilantro, and it turns glossy and slightly caramelised as the pieces roast. Lime is doing a lot of quiet work here. Its juice cuts through the sweetness of the honey, so the sauce tastes lively rather than sugary, and the zest adds a floral note that lingers after the juice has done its job.

Cilantro is one of those herbs people either love or find soapy. A lot of that difference comes down to genes, so if you are not sure, use half the amount at first and taste. The fresh leaves are best added at the end, because they lose their colour and bite once they have been cooked for a long time. If you have stems left over, finely chop them into the glaze. They carry a stronger flavour than the leaves and cost you nothing.

Taking the skin off the chicken keeps the dish lighter, and the honey glaze still clings nicely to the meat. Let the pieces sit in the sauce for a few minutes before they go into the oven if you have time. It gives the garlic and lime a chance to soak in. When the thermometer shows 165 degrees in the thickest piece, the juices should run clear and the meat should pull away from the bone easily.

Leftovers are useful. Shred any cold meat, toss it with a spoonful of the pan juices and a squeeze of lime, and tuck it into warm tortillas with some sliced cabbage. It also works well in a grain bowl the next day. Keep it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days.

For a side, I like something cool and crunchy to balance the chicken. A bowl of zesty black bean salad with corn is a natural partner, since it echoes the lime without competing with the glaze. If you want something with a bit of heat, sweet and spicy mango salsa spooned over the top makes the plate feel more like a summer lunch. For a green side with a little richness, roasted sweet potato salad with avocado works well and keeps the cilantro theme going.