One Pot Chicken Recipe with Lemon and Dates

One-pot chicken with dates and caramelised lemon

Name: One-pot chicken with dates and caramelised lemon
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: serves 4-6
Ingredients: whole chicken 1.8kg or chicken thighs or legs 1.25kg; olive oil 4 tbsp; lemon 1, cut into thick rounds, pips removed; echalion shallots 2, halved lengthways; medjool dates 4-6, pitted; thyme or oregano sprigs 4, plus extra to serve; ground urfa chilli 2 tbsp or dried chilli flakes 1 tsp

1 hour 15 minutes
serves 4-6
Easy

Jammy lemons and plump roasted dates are cooked with this chicken for an easy yet alternative whole chicken dish

By Alison Roman

November 3, 2019 at 12:00 pm

Alison Roman says…“It’s sweet and tangy and a little spicy, and just downright special. It’s got the kind of bold flavours you wouldn’t expect from so few ingredients. But it’s also a rather flexible dish and can be made with a whole chicken or chicken parts for a weeknight-friendly vibe.”

Check out Alison Roman’s guide to the best places to eat and drink in New York here…

A large bridge with New York city skyline in the background as the sun sets

Ingredients

whole chicken 1.8kg or chicken thighs or legs 1.25kg
olive oil 4 tbsp
lemon 1, cut into thick rounds, pips removed
echalion shallots 2, halved lengthways
medjool dates 4-6, pitted
thyme or oregano sprigs 4, plus extra to serve
ground urfa chilli 2 tbsp or dried chilli flakes 1 tsp

Method

Step 1

Heat the oven 220C/fan 200C/gas 7. Season the chicken all over. Heat 2 tbsp of the oil in a large casserole over medium-high heat. Put the chicken in the pot, breast-side up and, using tongs, press lightly to make sure the skin comes into even contact with the base. (If using thighs or legs, sear the chicken skin-side down.)
Step 2

Cook for 5-8 minutes without moving the chicken, until browned. Add the lemon slices and shallots, ensuring the lemon gets to the bottom of the pan. Sizzle for 2 minutes.
Step 3

Add the dates, herbs and 250ml water. Sprinkle the top of the chicken with the chilli and put the lid on. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until the dates are plump, the lemon slices are jammy and the chicken is almost but not totally cooked through.
Step 4

Remove the lid and drizzle the chicken with the remaining 2 tbsp olive oil. Continue to cook for another 20-30 minutes or until the liquid has reduced by ¹/2, and the top of the chicken is golden brown.
Step 5

Let the chicken rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a chopping board and carve. Serve alongside the shallots, lemon slices and dates, with some more thyme and flaky salt sprinkled over.

*This recipe is gluten-free according to industry standards

Recipes extracted from Nothing Fancy: Unfussy Food for Having People Over by Alison Roman (£22, Hardie Grant). Listen to Alison chat on episode 171 of the olive magazine podcast.