Il Cucinologo
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Citrus-Marinated Chicken in Clay Pot

17/11/2023

Citrus-marinated chicken is a succulent dish that combines the delicate flavor of chicken with the freshness and aroma of citrus fruits. To give this recipe an Italian touch, I will also use aromatic herbs typical of Mediterranean cuisine. Here is the recipe:

Ingredients

  • 4 chicken thighs
  • 1 orange
  • 1 lemon
  • 2 limes
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 2 rosemary sprigs
  • 4 sage leaves
  • Dried oregano to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Salt to taste
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • 100 ml white wine

Preparation

  1. Start by grating the zest from half the orange, the lemon, and the limes, being careful not to include the white pith, which could make the marinade bitter.
  2. In a bowl, squeeze the juice from the remaining orange, lemon, and limes after grating the peels, and add it to the grated zest.
  3. Add the finely chopped garlic cloves, torn sage leaves, and chopped rosemary to the citrus. Also add a pinch of dried oregano, black pepper, and plenty of salt.
  4. Pour in a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and mix all the ingredients well to make the marinade.
  5. Arrange the chicken thighs in a baking dish and pour the marinade over them, making sure to cover the chicken completely. Cover with plastic wrap and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight for a more intense flavor.
  6. Once marinated, preheat the oven to 180 °C.
  7. Deglaze the chicken with the white wine, then bake the chicken in a clay pot if available; otherwise, you can use a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
  8. Bake for about 1 hour or until the chicken is golden and cooked through. During cooking, baste the chicken with the marinade juices to keep it moist.
  9. Once ready, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

Citrus-marinated chicken in a clay pot is best served hot, ideal for a hearty and fragrant dinner. It can be paired with a simple side of steamed vegetables or a fresh seasonal salad.

Fun Fact

Marinating meat in citrus is a technique that not only imparts flavor but also tenderizes the meat fibers thanks to the acidity of the citrus. In Italy, the use of lemon and aromatic herbs is very common, especially in southern regions like Sicily, where citrus fruits are abundant.