Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Sicilian Oven-Roasted Chicken from Nissa: A Timeless Classic
Dive into the rich traditions of Sicily with this hearty oven-roasted chicken, brimming with authentic flavours and rustic charm.
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 1 free-range chicken
- ✓ 1 onion
- ✓ extra virgin olive oil
- ✓ 1 carrot
- ✓ 1 celery stick
- ✓ a small bunch of parsley
- ✓ 1 bay leaf
- ✓ 1 clove
- ✓ 50 g Sicilian pecorino cheese, grated
- ✓ 1 cup of fresh breadcrumbs
- ✓ 2 lemons
- ✓ dried oregano
- ✓ salt
- ✓ whole black peppercorns
📊 Nutritional Information
Oven-roasted chicken from Nissa, a charming town nestled in the heart of Sicily, is a dish steeped in tradition and full of robust, comforting flavours. This recipe celebrates free-range chicken infused with a fragrant blend of herbs and spices, creating a wonderfully layered taste. The enticing aromas of bay leaves and cloves gently fill your kitchen, making every moment before dinner a delight. Perfect for cosy family dinners or special occasions during the cooler months, this dish offers a delicious taste of Sicilian warmth and heritage. Let’s explore together how to bring this Sicilian treasure to your table.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Peel the carrot, celery, and parsley stalks, then place them in a large saucepan along with the onion studded with the clove, the bay leaf, and a few peppercorns.
- 2
Cover with 3 litres of cold water, season with salt, and bring to the boil. Clean the chicken and add it to the broth.
- 3
Allow to return to the boil, then simmer gently for about one hour and forty-five minutes.
- 4
Drain the chicken and chop it into pieces. Lightly moisten the pieces with a dressing made from olive oil, dried oregano, freshly squeezed lemon juice, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- 5
Coat the chicken evenly in a mixture of the breadcrumbs and grated pecorino, then place in a lightly oiled roasting tray.
- 6
Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C for 45 minutes, until golden and crisp. Serve the chicken piping hot.
💡 Tips and Variations
For an extra flavour boost, try adding pitted black olives to the breadcrumb coating. Alternatively, swap lemon juice for a splash of balsamic vinegar to introduce a deeper, tangier note.
📦 Storage
- • Keep any leftovers refrigerated and consume within 2 days.
- • Cooked chicken can be frozen for up to one month.
- • Reheat in the oven at 160°C for 10 minutes before serving to restore its crispness.
🍷 Pairing
This comforting roast pairs beautifully with a glass of Cerasuolo di Vittoria, a Sicilian red wine whose fruity and floral notes perfectly complement the dish’s aromatic flavours.
This heartwarming Sicilian roast chicken is a delight to make and even more rewarding to share. Whether it’s a family dinner or a cosy gathering with friends, it promises to bring a taste of Sicily’s rich culinary heritage right to your plate. Give it a try, and don’t forget to spread the joy by sharing this recipe with those you love — a true taste of Italian sunshine and tradition, wherever you are.
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