Ingredients
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon sweet paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 whole chicken (about 4 pounds)
5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic, 3 finely grated, 1 chopped
2 1/2 pounds russet potatoes (about 4), peeled and cut crosswise into 3/4-inch rounds
1/2 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves, plus more for serving
1 jalapeño, stemmed, seeded, and chopped
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, plus wedges for serving
Preparation
Combine cumin, paprika, oregano, 1 tablespoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. With kitchen shears, cut chicken along its backbone along one side; open like a book. Place on a rimmed baking sheet, breast-side up; press down flat. Rub all over with 2 tablespoons oil and grated garlic. Sprinkle with spice mixture. Let stand 1 hour (or refrigerate, covered, overnight).
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In a saucepan, cover potatoes with 2 inches of water and bring to a boil; add a generous amount of salt. Boil until just tender, 11 to 13 minutes. Drain and immediately return to pan; toss with remaining 3 tablespoons oil and season with salt and pepper. (Potatoes will break apart slightly.)
Scatter potatoes around chicken. Roast until chicken is golden and a thermometer inserted into thickest part of breast registers 160 degrees, 45 to 50 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate. Flip potatoes and continue to roast until golden and crisp, 5 to 10 minutes more.
Meanwhile, purée cilantro, jalapeño, chopped garlic, mayonnaise, lime juice, and 1 tablespoon water in a blender until smooth. (If sauce is too thick, add more water, 1 teaspoon at a time.) Season with salt.
Carve chicken and arrange on platter with potatoes. Sprinkle with cilantro leaves and serve with cilantro sauce and lime wedges on the side.
