Try something new with roasted lemons and garlic. With whole lemons (you can eat the peel and the fruit in its entirety) and garlic, a high-temperature roast mellows out any harshness, so don’t fear the amount. You’ll be making this sophisticated, winterized take on Caesar salad every week thanks to its ease of preparation and clean-up.
Roasting technique
This one-skillet meal works well in both conventional and convection ovens, crisping the chicken skin, croutons, and kale quickly to retain their juicy flavour. A relatively quick roast means dinner is on the table ASAP.
Make-ahead
Serve this roast the next day for a chilled wintry panzanella lunch. Shred chicken when it’s cool, toss with salad, and enjoy at home or to go.
Roasted Garlic, Lemon, Chicken, and Kale Skillet Caesar
Ingredients
- 1/2 whole chicken, skin and bones intact, cut into 4 portions (breast, thigh, leg, and wing)
- 4 whole garlic cloves, skin intact
- 1 whole lemon, thinly sliced, seeds removed
- 1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt, plus more to taste
- 1/8 tsp (0.5 mL) ground black pepper
- 2 slices whole grain sourdough bread or gluten-free bread, roughly torn
- 1 bunch lacinato or curly kale, stems removed, roughly torn
- 3 Tbsp (45 mL) extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 Tbsp (30 mL) white wine vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tsp (5 mL) gluten-free Worcestershire sauce
Nutrition
Per serving:
- calories341
- protein22g
- fat18g
- saturated fat4g
- trans fat0g
- carbohydrates27g
- sugars1g
- fibre4g
- sodium <373mg
Directions
01
Preheat oven to 425 F (220 C). To large cast iron skillet or ovenproof high-sided skillet, add chicken, garlic, and lemon slices. Season with salt and pepper. Roast for 30 to 35 minutes, until juices run clear on chicken. Transfer chicken and garlic to plate; set aside and leave oven on.
02
To hot skillet with lemon, toss bread and kale together, add back to oven, and roast until kale is wilted and dark green, about 5 minutes.
03
Meanwhile, for dressing, squish now-soft garlic out of its papers into small bowl, discard garlic paper, and whisk in oil, vinegar or lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce until combined. When kale mixture is out of oven, toss with roasted garlic dressing, taste, and season with additional salt and pepper, if desired.
04
Add chicken pieces back to skillet and serve family style, or plate warm kale mixture with chicken on top.
Allison Day, RHN
Allison Day, RHN, is a nutritionist, blogger, and cookbook author. Her cookbooks, Whole Bowls and Purely Pumpkin (Skyhorse Publishing, 2016), are out now. She is currently working on her third cookbook, Modern Lunch (Appetite by Random House).
READ THIS NEXT
SEE MORE »
Greek Turkey Burger Bites
Ever thought about making burgers as an appetizer or as a potluck meal for friends and family? Try making your favourite burger into bite-sized portions. They might be small in size, but they won’t be small in flavour. These burgers also pair well with a Greek salad for a delicious mid-week lunch or dinner. Fresh is best Squeeze fresh lemon on patties while cooking to give them the fresh zing of citrus.
Italian Portobello Mushroom Burger with Artichoke Tapenade
What worldwide vacation is complete without a stop in Italy? Dad won’t miss the meat in this flavourful mushroom alternative complete with Italian spices and a zesty vegetable tapenade. Portobellos have a uniquely “meaty” texture and act as a sponge to lock in loads of flavour. This meaty plant-based burger is sure to become a favourite—even with any meat-lovers in your life. Custom-made! Don’t be afraid to customize your burger buns to fit your patties. If your bun’s too big, trim off excess and save the trimmed bits of bread, but don’t discard. Instead, cut into small cubes; drizzle with some olive oil, sea salt, and seasonings of choice; bake at 350 F (180 C) for 10 to 15 minutes, and you’ll have delicious homemade croutons for use in soups and salads throughout the week.
Asian Shrimp Burger with Bean Sprout Slaw and Fresh Mango
Next stop, Asia! This shrimp burger combines classic Asian flavours with unique toppings for rich umami flavour with the saltiness of the ocean. Whether served on a bun or over rice in a more traditional Asian-style meal, try some unique miso yogurt or wasabi mayo dressing for a fabulous flavour bomb. Keep those burgers juicy Place raw patties on a plate or tray, and cover and freeze or refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes to keep them together and to lock in moisture.
Jamaican Jerk Pork Sliders with Grilled Pineapple and Tangy Slaw
While on your burger journey, visit Jamaica, where you’ll find the spicy jerk flavours native to this beautiful island. Maple syrup adds a unique, sticky sweetness, while fresh lime juice highlights the fresh, tangy flavours of the Caribbean. Try making your own jerk seasoning or purchase store-bought for an easy shortcut.