There’s something incredibly uplifting about the zesty aroma of preserved lemon wafting from your kitchen. I first tried this delightful twist on crispy chicken during a cozy dinner with friends, and it instantly became a new favorite. The richness of the golden, crunchy chicken pairs beautifully with a tangy preserved lemon sauce that dances across your palate with every bite. Not only does this dish look stunning on a plate, but it’s also surprisingly simple to whip up, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or special occasions alike.
In the spirit of the Ottolenghi Test Kitchen, this recipe for Crispy Chicken with Cheat’s Preserved Lemon Sauce brings a burst of brightness to your dinner table, transforming everyday ingredients into an impressive meal that even your pickiest eaters will adore. Join me as I guide you through the steps to achieve crispy perfection, combined with a vibrant sauce that brings everything together in a truly delightful way. Let’s bring some zest to your next cooking adventure!
Why is Ottolenghi Test Kitchen’s Double Lemon Chicken so special?
Bursting with Flavor: The combination of crispy chicken and tangy preserved lemon creates a unique taste experience that’s hard to resist.
Simple Ingredients: You’re likely to have most ingredients at home, making this dish easy to assemble even on busy weeknights.
Crowd-Pleaser: Friends and family will be impressed by the vibrant colors and flavors, ensuring seconds are requested!
Quick Cooking Time: Frying the chicken takes just minutes, allowing you to enjoy dinner faster without sacrificing quality.
Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with sides like tenderstem broccoli or fragrant coconut rice for a complete meal that complements the flavors beautifully.
This dish truly shines as a gourmet treat, transforming your usual dinner routine into something extraordinary for you and your loved ones. If you’re looking to explore more exciting flavors, check out my recipe for a vegetarian version that swaps chicken for cauliflower steaks!
Crispy Chicken Ingredients
• Here’s everything you’ll need to make the delightful Ottolenghi Test Kitchen’s Double Lemon Chicken with Cheat’s Preserved Lemon magic!
For the Chicken Coating
- Egg Whites – Enhances adhesion of the coating; substitute with aquafaba for a vegan option.
- Soy Sauce – Adds umami and depth of flavor; use tamari for a gluten-free alternative.
- Cornflour (Cornstarch) – Creates a crispy coating; no substitutes needed, but potato starch can provide a different texture.
- Salt and Pepper – Boost overall flavor; adjust to taste.
For the Chicken
- Chicken Breasts – Main protein; pound to ensure even cooking; boneless thighs can offer juicier bites.
For Frying
- Sunflower Oil – A neutral-flavored oil that’s perfect for frying; vegetable or canola oil are good alternatives.
For the Sauce
- Preserved Lemon Paste – Imparts a bright, tangy flavor; can be replaced with fresh lemon zest and juice if needed.
- Chicken Stock – Forms the base of the sauce; vegetable stock can be a great substitute for a vegetarian version.
- Butter – Adds richness to the sauce; use coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
- Garlic – Provides an aromatic base; fresh garlic is preferred, but garlic powder works too.
- Sugar – Balances the acidity of the lemon; feel free to substitute with maple syrup or omit entirely if desired.
- Turmeric and Cumin – These warm seasonings enhance the overall flavor; adjust according to your taste.
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into creating this vibrant dish that will surely impress everyone around your table!
How to Make Crispy Chicken with Cheat’s Preserved Lemon Sauce
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Prepare Cheat’s Preserved Lemon: In a saucepan, simmer the preserved lemon ingredients until the rinds become translucent and juice reduces. Blend until smooth to create a luscious paste.
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Marinate Chicken: Whisk together egg whites, soy sauce, cornflour, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Pound the chicken breasts to a thickness of 1 cm, then coat them with the mixture and allow to marinate for at least 30 minutes to soak in all those flavors.
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Make the Sauce: In a saucepan, combine the preserved lemon paste, stock, butter, garlic, sugar, turmeric, and cumin. Simmer until reduced to a rich, glossy sauce, thickening with cornflour mixed separately in a bowl as needed.
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Fry Chicken: In a hot pan with oil, fry the marinated chicken for about 3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through, achieving that perfect crispy texture.
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Combine Chicken with Sauce: Once the chicken is fried, pour the sauce over the chicken in the pan and simmer briefly, incorporating fresh lemon juice for that extra zing before serving.
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Serve: Garnish the dish with chopped spring onion, fresh coriander, and a drizzle of lemon juice on a beautiful platter to impress your guests.
Optional: Add a sprinkle of roasted sesame seeds for extra crunch and flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Crispy Chicken with Cheat’s Preserved Lemon Sauce?
Transform your meal into a delightful feast with these amazing side dishes that will perfectly complement the vibrant flavors of the crispy chicken.
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Fragrant Coconut Rice: Its creamy, rich texture beautifully balances the tangy preserved lemon sauce, adding a hint of sweetness to each bite. A delightful choice for a nourishing base.
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Tenderstem Broccoli: This vegetable’s crunchy texture and slight bitterness offer a lovely contrast to the succulent chicken, creating a well-rounded dish that’s visually appealing and delicious.
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Golden Roasted Potatoes: Crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside, these potatoes soak up the zesty sauce beautifully, making them a comforting and hearty side.
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Quinoa Salad: A light and fresh option, topped with herbs, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of olive oil. This refreshing salad cuts through the richness and brings brightness to the meal.
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Garlic Butter Green Beans: Sautéed with garlic and butter, these beans add a pop of color and are deliciously crisp. Their earthiness enhances the overall flavor profile of the dinner.
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Tzatziki Sauce: This cool, creamy yogurt-based sauce makes a refreshing dip that counteracts the heat and richness of the chicken, providing a delightful burst of flavor.
Pair any of these sides for a well-balanced meal experience that will linger in the hearts and palates of your family and friends!
How to Store and Freeze Crispy Chicken
Fridge: Store leftover crispy chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To maintain its crunchiness, avoid stacking pieces on top of each other.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the chicken soggy.
Preserved Lemon Paste: Store any leftover preserved lemon paste in a sterilized jar in the fridge for up to a month, ready to brighten any dish!
Expert Tips for Crispy Chicken
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Hot Oil Check: Always ensure the oil is hot enough before frying. A drop of batter should sizzle immediately; this guarantees a perfectly crispy chicken.
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Batch Frying: Fry the chicken in small batches to maintain oil temperature. Overcrowding the pan can lead to soggy results instead of crispy perfection.
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Marinating Time: Give the chicken enough time to marinate; at least 30 minutes will imbue the flavors deeply. For best results, consider marinating overnight!
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Sauce Adjustments: Taste the sauce before serving; you can always tweak the seasoning or add more preserved lemon for an extra punch of tanginess.
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Cooling Tip: Allow the sauce to cool slightly after simmering to avoid any splatter when you pour it over the chicken, ensuring a neat presentation.
By following these expert tips, your Crispy Chicken with Cheat’s Preserved Lemon Sauce will surely be a hit at your dinner table!
Make Ahead Options
These Crispy Chicken with Cheat’s Preserved Lemon Sauce are perfect for meal prep, making your busy weeknights a breeze! You can prepare the preserved lemon paste up to 3 days in advance; simply store it in a sterilized jar in the refrigerator, ensuring the lid is tightly sealed to maintain freshness. Additionally, marinate the chicken breasts for at least 30 minutes beforehand, or up to 24 hours in the fridge, to allow the flavors to develop. When ready to cook, just heat the oil and fry the marinated chicken until golden brown, and then add the sauce. This way, you’ll enjoy a deliciously crisp meal with minimal effort, just as flavorful as if you made it fresh!
Crispy Chicken Variations
Customize your dish with these delightful twists that enhance the enchanting flavors of your crispy chicken!
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Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with cauliflower steaks for a satisfying meat-free option that soaks up the vibrant sauce beautifully.
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Gluten-Free Goodness: Swap soy sauce for tamari to create a gluten-free version without sacrificing depth of flavor.
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Herbaceous Burst: Garnish with fresh dill or mint to add a refreshing twist that compliments the tangy lemon sauce perfectly.
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Zesty Fire: Add sliced jalapeños for those who enjoy a spicy kick. Their heat pairs wonderfully with the brightness of the preserved lemon.
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Citrus Twist: Incorporate blood orange zest along with lemon for a unique citrus flavor that adds depth and a beautiful color to your sauce.
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Creamy Comfort: Stir in a splash of coconut cream into your sauce for a rich, creamy texture that mellows the tanginess while adding lusciousness.
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Texture Play: For extra crunch, toss in panko breadcrumbs alongside the cornflour in the coating mixture, taking the crispy factor to new heights.
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Sweet & Savory: Use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar for a natural sweetness that balances the sauce’s acidity beautifully.
Experiment and find your perfect combination; these variations allow you to create a new dish each time you cook!
Crispy Chicken with Cheat’s Preserved Lemon Sauce Recipe FAQs
How do I select the perfect preserved lemons?
Absolutely! When selecting preserved lemons, look for jars with bright yellow rinds and a clear brine. Avoid any that show dark spots or cloudiness, as this indicates spoilage. Ideally, the lemons should have a firm texture and a fragrant, tangy aroma, signalling freshness.
How should I store leftover crispy chicken?
Very simply! Store any leftover crispy chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the chicken’s crispy texture intact, it’s best to lay the pieces flat, avoiding stacking them. If you have additional sauce, store it separately to drizzle over when serving again.
Can I freeze crispy chicken for later?
Absolutely! To freeze, place the crispy chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the chicken to a resealable freezer bag and store it for up to 2 months. This method prevents them from clumping together. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat by baking in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until crispy again.
What if my chicken isn’t crispy enough?
The more the merrier! If your chicken isn’t crispy, be sure the oil is hot enough before frying; the ideal temperature is about 350°F (175°C). Fry in smaller batches to prevent temperature drops, which can lead to soggy textures. If cooking all the chicken pieces at once, you may need to fry them in batches to maintain that perfect crunch.
Can I modify the recipe for dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! For a gluten-free option, simply substitute soy sauce with tamari. If you’re looking to make the dish dairy-free, swap butter for coconut oil in the sauce. For a vegetarian twist, substitute chicken with cauliflower steaks—simply coat and fry them just like the chicken! This dish is versatile and can cater to various dietary needs, ensuring everyone at your table is happy.
How long will the preserved lemon paste last in the fridge?
Yes, it’s fantastic! You can keep any leftover preserved lemon paste in a sterilized jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. Just be sure to seal it tightly to maintain its flavor. This tangy paste can be used to enhance other dishes, bringing a vibrant touch to everything from roasted vegetables to grain salads.
Double Lemon Chicken with Cheat’s Preserved Lemon Magic
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a saucepan, simmer the preserved lemon ingredients until the rinds become translucent and juice reduces. Blend until smooth to create a luscious paste.
- Whisk together egg whites, soy sauce, cornflour, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Pound the chicken breasts to a thickness of 1 cm, then coat them with the mixture and allow to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- In a saucepan, combine the preserved lemon paste, stock, butter, garlic, sugar, turmeric, and cumin. Simmer until reduced to a rich, glossy sauce.
- In a hot pan with oil, fry the marinated chicken for about 3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Once the chicken is fried, pour the sauce over the chicken and simmer briefly, incorporating fresh lemon juice before serving.
- Garnish the dish with chopped spring onion, fresh coriander, and a drizzle of lemon juice.