When life hands you lemons, the best approach is to embrace them wholeheartedly—especially when it comes to this Ottolenghi Double Lemon Chicken. The sharp citrusy brightness of lemon infuses every bite, creating a symphony of flavor that dances on your palate. I stumbled upon this delightful recipe after a long week of mundane meals, and it immediately transformed my dinner plans into something exciting.
Picture crisp chicken breasts marinated to perfection, then enveloped in a rich, tangy sauce that brings a pop of freshness to the table. The combination of preserved lemons with garlic and warm spices makes this dish not just a meal but an unforgettable experience. It’s easy enough to whip up on a weeknight yet impressive enough for a gathering with friends.
Join me as we dive into this recipe that promises to add zest to your life—and your dinner plate! Whether you’re a seasoned chef or simply tired of takeout, this dish will reignite your passion for cooking at home.
Why is Ottolenghi Double Lemon Chicken a must-try?
Bright, Zesty Flavor: The use of both fresh and preserved lemons infuses a unique tang that’s simply irresistible.
Crispy Perfection: Enjoy golden-brown chicken that maintains a juicy inside, satisfying every craving.
Quick and Simple: With just 20 minutes of prep and an easy cooking process, your weeknight dinners are transformed.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: This dish impresses guests and family alike, making your table the centerpiece of deliciousness.
Versatile Accompaniment: Pair it with rice, salad, or crusty bread for a versatile and delightful meal experience.
Dive into this recipe and discover a refreshing twist on home-cooked meals that will brighten even the gloomiest of days!
Ottolenghi Double Lemon Chicken Ingredients
Get ready to awaken your taste buds with these vibrant components!
For the Chicken Marinade
- Egg whites – These help create a light, crispy coating for your chicken.
- Soy sauce – Adds a savory depth of flavor that complements the chicken beautifully.
- Cornflour – Essential for that perfect crunch on the chicken’s surface.
- Chicken breasts – Using boneless, skinless breast helps keep the dish lean and juicy.
For the Lemon Sauce
- Sunflower oil – Ideal for frying; it has a high smoke point and neutral flavor.
- Preserved lemon – A key ingredient that elevates the sauce with a unique, tangy punch; don’t skip it!
- Lemon juice – Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the sauce for added zing.
- Chicken stock – Provides the base for the sauce, enriching it with savory flavors.
- Butter – Adds a luscious richness to the sauce that brings everything together.
- Garlic cloves – Infuse the sauce with aromatic depth that pairs well with the lemon.
- Caster sugar – Balances the tanginess of the lemon in the sauce.
- Ground turmeric – Adds a warm color and slight earthiness to the flavor profile.
- Cumin seeds – Toasted for enhanced aroma; they add a warm, nutty character to the dish.
For Garnish
- Spring onion – Provides a fresh, crisp texture and a pop of color on top of the dish.
- Fresh coriander leaves – These add a burst of brightness and a fresh herbaceous note.
With these fresh and zesty ingredients, your Ottolenghi Double Lemon Chicken is about to become a standout on your dinner table!
How to Make Ottolenghi Double Lemon Chicken
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Prepare the Preserved Lemon: In a small saucepan, simmer the lemon rounds, lemon juice, and flaked sea salt on medium-high heat for 12–14 minutes. Blend the mixture until smooth, creating a vibrant preserved lemon sauce.
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Whisk the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the egg whites, soy sauce, cornflour, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth, creating a light marinade that will give the chicken a crispy texture.
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Marinate the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to about 1cm thickness between two pieces of baking parchment. Marinate them in the egg-white mixture for at least 30 minutes, ensuring an even coating of flavor.
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Make the Lemon Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the preserved lemon, chicken stock, butter, garlic, sugar, turmeric, and half of the cumin. Bring to a boil and reduce the mixture by a third over 15 minutes, thickening the sauce.
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Thicken the Sauce: Whisk cornflour with a few tablespoons of the sauce until smooth. Add this back to the saucepan, cooking for another minute until thickened to a luscious consistency.
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Fry the Chicken: Heat sunflower oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Fry two marinated chicken breasts for about 3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Drain on a plate lined with kitchen paper to remove excess oil.
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Combine Chicken and Sauce: Pour excess oil from the pan, then add the lemon sauce and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the fried chicken back to the pan for 3 minutes, gently turning halfway through. Stir in 2 tablespoons of lemon juice for extra brightness.
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Serve with Flair: Transfer the chicken to a serving platter, generously pour sauce over it, and sprinkle the remaining cumin for an aromatic touch.
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Garnish with Freshness: In a small bowl, toss together the spring onion, coriander, and lemon juice. Spoon this mixture over the chicken to add a fresh crunch and a pop of color.
Optional: Pair with fluffy rice or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Ottolenghi Double Lemon Chicken
• Crispier Chicken: For extra crunch, let the marinated chicken sit in the fridge for 30 minutes before frying.
• Preserved Lemon Check: Ensure your preserved lemons are well-blended and smooth to avoid chunks in your sauce, enhancing the overall flavor.
• Avoid Overcooking: Fry the chicken on medium heat; cooking on high can result in burnt outsides with raw insides.
• Perfect Sauce Consistency: Make sure to whisk the cornflour mixture thoroughly to prevent lumps and achieve a silky smooth lemon sauce.
• Zesty Balance: Taste the sauce before adding extra salt; the preserved lemon may already provide enough seasoning.
• Fresh Herb Finishing: Use freshly chopped spring onions and coriander right before serving for a vibrant and fragrant garnish to your Ottolenghi Double Lemon Chicken.
Make Ahead Options
These Ottolenghi Double Lemon Chicken components are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can marinate the chicken in the egg-white mixture up to 24 hours in advance; this not only enhances flavor but also helps achieve that crispy texture. Prepare the preserved lemon and lemon sauce a day ahead as well—just store them in airtight containers in the fridge to maintain their vibrant taste. When you’re ready to serve, simply fry the marinated chicken as instructed and simmer in the pre-made sauce for about 3 minutes. This approach allows you to enjoy a rich, flavorful meal with minimal effort, keeping your dinner plans exciting and stress-free!
How to Store and Freeze Ottolenghi Double Lemon Chicken
Fridge: Store any leftover Ottolenghi Double Lemon Chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
Freezer: You can freeze the chicken (without the sauce) for up to 2 months. Place it in a freezer-safe container, ensuring it’s well-wrapped to avoid freezer burn.
Sauce Storage: The lemon sauce can be stored separately in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for 1 month. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much.
Reheating Tips: For best results, reheat the chicken and sauce separately to maintain the crispiness of the chicken while enjoying the bright flavor of the sauce.
Ottolenghi Double Lemon Chicken Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine by customizing this delightful dish with these exciting variations!
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Herb-Infused: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the marinade for a fragrant twist that deepens the flavor profile beautifully. Herbs elevate the chicken’s essence, making every bite extraordinary.
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Citrus Medley: Substitute lime or orange juice for a refreshing variation, making the dish just as tantalizing but with a different citrusy kick. This adds a layered complexity that surprises the palate!
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Gluten-Free: Swap the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make this dish gluten-free without losing any of that savory goodness. Enjoy the same rich flavor with a gluten-free twist!
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Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the lemon sauce for an added layer of heat that brings warmth and excitement to the meal. Spice lovers will find this irresistible!
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Nutty Flavor Boost: Toss in toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds just before serving for a crunch that beautifully contrasts with the tender chicken. This nutty surprise will take your dish to new heights.
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Creamy Sauce: For a rich indulgence, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of crème fraîche just before serving for a velvety sauce that adds an irresistibly creamy element.
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Vegetable Variety: Add sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli into the lemon sauce to boost the veggie quotient and add vibrant colors that make the dish even more appealing. This is a perfect way to sneak in some extra nutrients!
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Mild or Bold: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of preserved lemon; conversely, if you love that intense citrus taste, increase it! Adjust the lemon elements until your taste buds sing.
Embrace these variations and make this meal uniquely yours while still keeping the essence of the Ottolenghi Double Lemon Chicken!
What to Serve with Crispy Chicken with Lemon Sauce?
Elevate your dining experience with delightful side dishes that complement the zesty flavors of your chicken.
- Fluffy Rice: Soft, fluffy rice provides a perfect canvas for the luscious lemon sauce, soaking up every drop of flavor.
- Garlicky Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans sautéed with garlic add a burst of freshness and color that balances the dish.
- Quinoa Salad: A quinoa salad dotted with cherry tomatoes and cucumber brings a crunchy, refreshing texture to the table.
For an aromatic finish, consider serving with warm, crusty bread. It’s perfect for wiping up any leftover sauce.
- Mint Yogurt Dip: A cooling mint yogurt dip wonderfully complements the lemon’s brightness, offering a refreshing contrast.
- Lemonade Spritzer: Quench your thirst with a chilled lemonade spritzer for a delightful citrus pairing that mirrors the dish’s flavor.
- Crispy Roasted Potatoes: Golden, crispy potatoes seasoned with herbs create a hearty side that contrasts beautifully with the chicken’s tenderness.
Let your meal shine as bright as the flavors in your Crispy Chicken with Lemon Sauce!
Ottolenghi Double Lemon Chicken Recipe FAQs
What should I look for when selecting lemons?
Absolutely! Choose unwaxed, firm lemons with a vibrant yellow color. Avoid any with dark spots or a dull skin as these may indicate overripeness. Fresh lemons will have a strong citrus aroma and feel heavy for their size, which indicates juiciness.
How do I store leftover Ottolenghi Double Lemon Chicken?
Store any leftover Ottolenghi Double Lemon Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. This will help keep the chicken moist while ensuring you enjoy the delightful lemony flavors again!
Can I freeze the chicken and sauce?
Yes, you can freeze the chicken (without the sauce) for up to 2 months. Place the marinated and cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container, ensuring it’s well-wrapped to avoid freezer burn. The sauce can also be frozen for 1 month in a separate container. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw both in the refrigerator overnight.
What should I do if my sauce is too thick?
If your lemon sauce becomes too thick, no need to worry! Just add a splash of water or chicken stock while gently heating it in a saucepan. Stir until you reach your desired consistency. This will help maintain the bright flavors while ensuring the sauce complements the chicken perfectly.
Is this dish safe for those with egg allergies?
I recommend caution! The recipe uses egg whites primarily for marinating the chicken. If you’re cooking for someone with an egg allergy, consider using a suitable egg substitute, like a mixture of cornstarch and water, to achieve a similar crispy texture without using eggs.
Can I adjust the spice level in this dish?
Of course! If you prefer a milder flavor, use less cumin and turmeric or leave them out entirely. For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the lemon sauce after the initial simmer. Adjust to your taste — the more the merrier!
Ottolenghi Double Lemon Chicken: Brighten Your Dinner Tonight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Preserved Lemon: In a small saucepan, simmer the lemon rounds, lemon juice, and flaked sea salt on medium-high heat for 12–14 minutes. Blend the mixture until smooth, creating a vibrant preserved lemon sauce.
- Whisk the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the egg whites, soy sauce, cornflour, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth, creating a light marinade that will give the chicken a crispy texture.
- Marinate the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to about 1cm thickness between two pieces of baking parchment. Marinate them in the egg-white mixture for at least 30 minutes, ensuring an even coating of flavor.
- Make the Lemon Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the preserved lemon, chicken stock, butter, garlic, sugar, turmeric, and half of the cumin. Bring to a boil and reduce the mixture by a third over 15 minutes, thickening the sauce.
- Thicken the Sauce: Whisk cornflour with a few tablespoons of the sauce until smooth. Add this back to the saucepan, cooking for another minute until thickened to a luscious consistency.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat sunflower oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Fry two marinated chicken breasts for about 3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Drain on a plate lined with kitchen paper to remove excess oil.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Pour excess oil from the pan, then add the lemon sauce and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the fried chicken back to the pan for 3 minutes, gently turning halfway through. Stir in 2 tablespoons of lemon juice for extra brightness.
- Serve with Flair: Transfer the chicken to a serving platter, generously pour sauce over it, and sprinkle the remaining cumin for an aromatic touch.
- Garnish with Freshness: In a small bowl, toss together the spring onion, coriander, and lemon juice. Spoon this mixture over the chicken to add a fresh crunch and a pop of color.