Hangi-Style Chicken (Oven Method)

Inspired by the Maori earth oven — chicken and root vegetables slow-roasted with smoky, earthy flavors.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks)
• 2 kumara (sweet potatoes), chunked
• 4 potatoes, chunked
• 1 onion, quartered
• 4 garlic cloves
• 2 tbsp oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (to approximate the smoky hangi flavor)
• Salt, pepper, fresh thyme
• Cabbage leaves for wrapping (optional)

Method

1. Season chicken and vegetables with oil, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, thyme.

2. Optionally wrap portions in cabbage leaves (mimics the banana leaf wrapping of a traditional hangi).

3. Place in a deep roasting pan. Cover tightly with foil.

4. Roast at 325°F for 1.5-2 hours until chicken is falling-off-the-bone tender and vegetables are soft.

5. Uncover last 15 min for browning.

What You're Practicing

• A traditional hangi cooks food in an underground pit with heated rocks — the oven method captures the spirit with smoked paprika and slow, covered roasting.
• The covered roasting steams everything together, blending the flavors.