bohemianwanderer – Crispy panko-fried chicken pairs perfectly with the vibrant Yemeni sauce, zhoug. Zhoug is more than just a green chili sauce. It combines preserved lemons, cardamom, garlic, and fresh herbs for a bold, layered flavor. This sauce elevates the chicken and the tender Jersey Royals, making the dish truly special.
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Start by cleaning and halving 350g of Jersey Royals. Boil them in water for 10 minutes until tender. Meanwhile, prepare two chicken breasts by flattening them with a rolling pin to about 3mm thick. This ensures even cooking and crispiness. Make sure to cover the chicken with clingfilm while pounding to prevent tearing and maintain moisture.
Set up three shallow bowls for coating the chicken. In the first, mix 4 heaped tablespoons of plain flour, 2 teaspoons of za’atar (optional), and 1.5 teaspoons of flaky sea salt. Beat one egg in the second bowl. Place 75g of panko breadcrumbs in the third bowl. This three-step coating process helps achieve a perfect, crunchy crust on the chicken.
Coat each chicken breast by dipping first in the flour mixture, then the egg, and finally the breadcrumbs. Use separate hands for dry and wet ingredients to avoid clumping. Heat olive oil in a pan and fry the chicken over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side. Cook in batches if needed. Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Making Zhoug and Serving Suggestions
To prepare the zhoug sauce, combine 50g coriander (or parsley if you dislike coriander), 15g flat-leaf parsley, one preserved lemon (skin and flesh roughly chopped), one small garlic clove, and the seeds from six green cardamom pods. Add two green chillies, adjusting for heat preference, along with ½ teaspoon caster sugar, ½ teaspoon ground cumin, and 50ml olive oil. Blend all ingredients in a food processor or blender until smooth. Season with a teaspoon of salt and adjust to taste. Stir four heaped teaspoons of zhoug into the cooked Jersey Royals to infuse them with flavor.
Serve the crispy chicken alongside the zhoug-coated Jersey Royals. Add a simple green salad made from fresh leaves, finely sliced fennel, and pumpkin seeds. Dress the salad lightly with lemon juice, olive oil, and sea salt. This dish combines crispy textures with fresh, spicy, and tangy notes. The zhoug sauce ties the flavors together, making every bite exciting. Whether for a casual dinner or a special meal, this recipe delivers bold taste and satisfying crunch.
