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Ricette di Sicilia

Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane


Sicilian Oven-Roasted Chicken from Nissa: A Timeless Classic

Sicilian Oven-Roasted Chicken from Nissa: A Timeless Classic

📖 What is it

Dive into the rich traditions of Sicily with this hearty oven-roasted chicken, brimming with authentic flavours and rustic charm.

⏱️
Prep Time
About 30 minutes
🔥
Cook Time
Around 2 and a half hours
👥
Serve
Serves 4
📊
Difficulty
Moderate
💰 Moderate
🗓️ Autumn to Winter
4.5/5

🛒 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

Calories
560 kcal
Protein
45 g
Fat
35 g
Carbohydrates
24 g
Fiber
3 g
Sugars
2 g
Sodium
800 mg

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. 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. 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. 3

    Allow to return to the boil, then simmer gently for about one hour and forty-five minutes.

  4. 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. 5

    Coat the chicken evenly in a mixture of the breadcrumbs and grated pecorino, then place in a lightly oiled roasting tray.

  6. 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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