This Double Lemon Chicken recipe is a celebration of bold, bright Mediterranean flavors with an Ottolenghi twist. The use of lemon in two distinct forms freshly squeezed juice and the ingenious “cheat’s” preserved lemon ensures a depth of citrus character that’s both intense and nuanced. Roasting the spatchcocked chicken brings out a gorgeous golden skin, while the garlic and thyme balance the acidity with earthy, aromatic notes. Perfect for a cozy Sunday roast or an elevated weeknight dinner, this dish looks and tastes as though you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. But thanks to the quick preserved lemon trick, you get the complexity of traditional preservation with none of the waiting. Serve it with a fresh salad, couscous, or roasted vegetables for a meal that feels indulgent yet effortless.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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Whole chicken, spatchcocked
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Garlic cloves, minced
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Fresh thyme
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Olive oil
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Salt and pepper
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Fresh lemons (zest and juice)
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Sugar
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White wine vinegar
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Thinly sliced lemon (for cheat’s preserved lemon)
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F).
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Prepare the cheat’s preserved lemon by combining lemon slices with sugar and vinegar. Let it marinate.
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Combine minced garlic, thyme, lemon zest, juice, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Rub this mixture generously over the chicken.
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Place the chicken in a roasting tray, skin side up. Scatter the quick preserved lemons around the chicken.
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Roast for 40–45 minutes, basting occasionally, until the skin is golden and crisp, and the meat is cooked through.
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Rest the chicken for 10 minutes before carving. Serve with pan juices and preserved lemon slices.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Kcal: 520 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Modern Twist on Citrus Chicken
The Double Lemon Chicken with Cheat’s Preserved Lemon is a brilliantly reimagined roast chicken dish from the Ottolenghi Test Kitchen that beautifully balances the bold, bright essence of fresh lemon with the deep, complex tang of preserved citrus. Drawing inspiration from Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavor profiles, this recipe is a shining example of how a few thoughtful tweaks can transform a humble roast chicken into something spectacular.
What sets this dish apart is not only its double use of lemon but also the ingenious shortcut to achieving the taste of preserved lemon without the wait. While traditional preserved lemons take weeks to develop their signature intensity, this “cheat’s” version mimics the flavor almost instantly. Combined with a perfectly roasted spatchcocked chicken, it results in juicy, aromatic meat and crispy, golden skin, all laced with zesty, garlicky brightness.
The Genius of Double Lemon
Lemon is one of the most versatile and powerful ingredients in any cook’s pantry. In this recipe, lemon appears in two key forms: the zest and juice of fresh lemon and the sliced, quickly marinated “cheat’s” preserved lemon. Together, these layers create a dynamic flavor profile that elevates the chicken to a new level of vibrancy.
The fresh lemon adds a sharp brightness that cuts through the richness of the roast chicken, while the cheat’s preserved lemon brings in an umami depth and slightly fermented complexity that mirrors what you’d find in traditional North African or Middle Eastern cuisines. This dual use of lemon makes the chicken taste fresher, lighter, and more exciting with every bite.
The Shortcut to Preserved Lemon
Preserved lemon is traditionally made by fermenting lemon slices in salt and their own juice for weeks. The result is a deeply flavorful, tangy-salty condiment used to enrich stews, dressings, and roasted dishes. However, Ottolenghi’s team devised a clever hack for achieving a similar effect in minutes rather than weeks.
By thinly slicing fresh lemons and marinating them briefly with sugar and white wine vinegar, you mimic the punch of preserved lemons with ease. The sugar softens the bitterness, the vinegar adds acidity, and time takes care of the transformation. These quick-pickled lemons caramelize and melt slightly in the heat of the oven, becoming sweet and sour gems that punctuate the chicken with intense flavor.
Spatchcocking: The Secret to Even Roasting
Another standout element of this recipe is the use of a spatchcocked chicken, which simply means the backbone is removed and the bird is flattened before roasting. This technique ensures faster, more even cooking, resulting in juicier meat and crispier skin.
Because the entire surface area of the chicken is exposed to the heat, it allows the skin to brown beautifully while locking in the juices. The flattened shape also makes it easier to baste the bird with its own flavorful juices throughout the cooking process, intensifying the richness and ensuring every bite is moist and full of citrus-garlic-herb goodness.
Flavor Harmony: Garlic, Thyme, and Olive Oil
While lemon is the star, it’s supported by a cast of classic flavor-builders: garlic, fresh thyme, and olive oil. The garlic provides a pungent depth, the thyme adds an earthy, floral warmth, and the olive oil serves as the vehicle that carries these elements across the surface of the chicken, forming a beautiful crust during roasting.
Together, these ingredients create an aromatic rub that infuses the chicken from skin to bone. The result is a complex layering of flavors that is both rustic and refined, giving the dish a gourmet edge without making it overly complicated.
Versatile Pairings and Serving Suggestions
The Double Lemon Chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes. For a Mediterranean-inspired meal, serve it with a herbed couscous, warm flatbread, and a cooling yogurt sauce or tzatziki. You could also opt for roasted seasonal vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad with shaved fennel and radish for a fresher contrast.
A drizzle of tahini or a light gremolata would also enhance the citrus and herb elements of the chicken. Since the dish is so boldly flavored, simpler sides often work best, allowing the lemony chicken to shine.
Why This Recipe Works for All Skill Levels
Despite its gourmet appearance and complex flavor, this dish is remarkably simple to execute, even for beginner home cooks. The cheat’s preserved lemon technique eliminates the need for advance planning, and the spatchcocking method, while it may seem intimidating at first, is easy with a good pair of kitchen shears.
The ingredient list is accessible, and the process is straightforward. Yet, the final presentation and taste give the impression of a dish that took hours of careful preparation. This makes it perfect not only for weeknight dinners but also for impressing guests at weekend gatherings.
Health and Nutritional Notes
This lemon chicken recipe is not only delicious but also relatively healthy. Chicken is a great source of lean protein, and the use of olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs provides beneficial antioxidants and healthy fats. The brightness of the lemon helps to naturally reduce the need for excess salt, making the dish flavorful without being overly sodium-heavy.
Moreover, the cheat’s preserved lemon is made with just vinegar and sugar, avoiding the excessive saltiness sometimes found in commercial preserved lemons. When paired with nutritious sides like greens, whole grains, or legumes, this dish becomes a well-rounded, wholesome meal.
Making It Your Own: Customization Ideas
One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. You can tailor it to your taste or the ingredients you have on hand. Here are a few customization ideas:
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Herbs: Swap thyme for rosemary, oregano, or tarragon for a slightly different flavor profile.
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Spices: Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika, chili flakes, or ground coriander for a touch of heat or smokiness.
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Citrus Variety: Experiment with Meyer lemons or add a few slices of orange for a sweeter citrus touch.
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Vegetables: Toss vegetables like potatoes, fennel, or carrots in the pan with the chicken for an all-in-one meal.
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Vegan Option: Use the cheat’s preserved lemon method as a marinade for tofu or roasted cauliflower for a plant-based version.
The Ottolenghi Influence
Yotam Ottolenghi’s influence on modern home cooking cannot be overstated. Known for his bold flavors, Middle Eastern inspiration, and ingredient-forward approach, Ottolenghi has made dishes like this both aspirational and accessible.
The Ottolenghi Test Kitchen continues this legacy by creating recipes that blend restaurant-level flavor with practical cooking methods. The Double Lemon Chicken is a perfect example of this philosophy packed with complexity yet achievable in your home kitchen.
Conclusion:
The Double Lemon Chicken with Cheat’s Preserved Lemon is more than just another roasted chicken dish it’s an experience. With its bold flavors, clever techniques, and satisfying textures, it’s a recipe that delivers far more than the sum of its parts.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner looking to expand your repertoire, this recipe offers an exciting new way to think about citrus and roast chicken. It’s perfect for casual family dinners, elegant entertaining, or simply when you need a meal that feels like a warm, zesty hug on a plate.