Citrus-Marinated Chicken in Clay Pot
Category: Main Dishes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken (cut into 4 parts) | 1 kg |
| Orange juice | 200 ml |
| Lemon juice | 100 g |
| Rosemary | 1 sprig |
| Black peppercorns | to taste |
| Paprika | to taste |
| Nutmeg | to taste |
| Fine salt | a pinch |
| Orange (whole) | 1 |
| Lemon (whole) | 1 |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 30 ml |
| Vegetable broth | 250 ml |
| Shallot | 1 |
| Fine salt | a pinch |
| Black pepper | a pinch |
| Sugar | 50 g |
| Orange juice | 50 ml |
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by preparing the chicken. Using a sharp knife, cut the chicken into 4 parts: remove the wings, divide the thighs, and slice the rest accordingly. Place the cut chicken into a baking dish.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Add fresh rosemary leaves, finely chopped, black peppercorns, paprika, and a pinch of salt to the chicken. Squeeze the juice of lemons into the dish and strain it through a fine mesh sieve to remove pulp and seeds.
Step 3: Marinate with Citrus
Take the whole orange and lemon, remove the ends, and slice them thinly, keeping the peel on. Then, cut each slice in half. Add the citrus slices to the chicken, ensuring all parts are covered. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 12 hours to allow the flavors to infuse.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
After marinating, prepare a pot with salted water, bringing it to a boil. While waiting for the water to boil, finely chop the shallot. In a separate pan, heat the olive oil and sautΓ© the shallot until soft.
Once the shallot is softened, remove the citrus slices from the chicken and set them aside with the marinade juice. Add the chicken pieces to the pan with shallots and brown them on both sides for about 2-3 minutes over medium heat.
Step 5: Add the Citrus and Broth
Once the chicken is browned, pour the reserved citrus juice and spices into the pan. Adjust salt and pepper to taste, then add the filtered vegetable broth. Cover the pan with a lid, and reduce the heat to low. Allow the chicken to simmer slowly for 2 hours, ensuring it becomes tender and infused with the citrus flavor.
Step 6: Prepare the Caramelized Fruit
While the chicken cooks, prepare the caramelized fruit. In a non-stick skillet, melt the sugar over medium heat until it turns golden. Once it has reached a caramelized stage, pour in the 50 ml of orange juice and stir until smooth. Once the fruit is well-coated and caramelized, remove from heat and set aside.
Step 7: Final Assembly and Serve
After 2 hours, when the chicken is fully cooked and tender, transfer it along with its cooking liquid into a clay pot. Garnish the dish with the caramelized citrus slices for an extra touch of sweetness and flavor. Serve hot, and enjoy the delightful combination of tender chicken and the fragrant citrus marinade.
Tips for Success:
- Make sure to allow the chicken to marinate for the full 12 hours to allow the flavors to develop.
- For extra tenderness, ensure that the chicken simmers gently over low heat for the full 2 hours.
- The caramelized fruit adds a beautiful touch and enhances the dish with a sweet, citrusy contrast. Donβt skip this step!
Enjoy your Citrus-Marinated Chicken in Clay Pot, a dish that combines savory, sweet, and citrusy goodness in every bite!
