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Delicious Dish

Chicken & Turkey

Sumac-Spiced Roasted Chicken with Preserved Lemon, Onions Recipe

September 1, 2020|By Carolyn Cohen
Sumac-Spiced Roasted Chicken with Preserved Lemon, Onions - chicken & turkey recipe by Carolyn Cohen

and pine nuts Sumac is a vibrant red berry found in the Middle East. Dark burgundy in colour, it is dried and ground to a coarse powder. The flavour is lemony, earthy and slightly sour. It can be found at any specialty market. Preserved lemons can be found in a specialty market, or you can make the Delicious Dish Preserved Lemons but plan ahead because they will take three to four weeks to ferment.

Ingredients

  • 1½ tbsp sumac
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • 2 tsp kosher salt or 1 tsp sea or table salt,
  • plus more for seasoning the onions and
  • garlic
  • 2 tbsp olive oil, plus more to drizzle in the
  • roasting dish
  • 2 onions, sliced thinly
  • 2 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 1 whole chicken, cut in eighths or the
  • equivalent in pieces (bone-in)
  • To Make the Chicken Topping
  • ¼ cup honey
  • Peel from ¼ of a preserved lemon, diced
  • finely*
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ⅓ cup toasted pine nuts, half left whole,
  • half crushed (put them in a baggie and
  • crush them with the bottom of a glass)
  • Additional sumac for sprinkling
  • Arabic Taboon bread or pita for serving

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 400˚F convection or 425˚F regular bake.

  2. 2

    Combine the sumac, paprika, salt and oil in a bowl.

  3. 3

    Drizzle a roasting dish (large enough to hold the chicken with a little space in between each piece) with olive oil and place the onions and garlic at the bottom of the pan. Sprinkle with salt.

  4. 4

    Rub the sumac and oil mixture all over the chicken and arrange the chicken skin-side-up on top of the onions and garlic.

  5. 5

    To Make the Chicken Topping: Mix the honey, diced preserved lemon peel and olive oil together in a small bowl. Drizzle all over the chicken pieces. Sprinkle with the whole and crushed pine nuts and additional sumac.

  6. 6

    Bake for about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

  7. 7

    Serve with Taboon bread or pita dipped into the pan juices. Serves 3-

  8. 8

    *You can buy ready-made Preserved Lemons or make Delicious Dish Preserved Lemons.

Tips & Storage

How to Store
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Chicken and turkey reheat well in the oven at 325°F to keep the meat moist.
Can I Freeze This?
Absolutely. Cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Cooking Tip
Use a meat thermometer to ensure poultry reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking for juicier results.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Sumac-Spiced Roasted Chicken with Preserved Lemon, Onions?

This Sumac-Spiced Roasted Chicken with Preserved Lemon, Onions recipe by Carolyn Cohen includes step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow. You'll need 21 ingredients and the recipe is designed for home cooks of all skill levels.

Can I make this sumac-spiced roasted chicken with preserved lemon, onions ahead of time?

Yes! This recipe stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently before serving.