Periodical


MAY


2025

Clodagh McKENNA

Lemon, Harissa & Olive Spatchcock Chickenwith Bulgar Wheat, Cucumber & Dill
Clodagh’s recipe

FOR THE LEMON, HARISSA & OLIVE SPATCHCOCK CHICKEN:

1 whole organic or free-range chicken, about 3 pounds

2 preserved lemons, chopped

6 garlic cloves, smashed

½ cup pitted black olives, chopped

1 tablespoon harissa

½ cup olive oil

sea salt and ground black pepper

FOR THE BULGARWHEAT SALAD

¾ cup bulgar wheat

½ cup boiling water

1 cucumber, diced

4 scallions, thinly sliced

2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley

2 tablespoons chopped dill

1 tablespoon chopped mint

½ cup extra virgin olive oil

juice of 1 lemon

3 garlic cloves, crushed

METHOD:

1.Pre-heat the oven to 180°C/Gas Mark 4.

2.To spatchcock the chicken, place it breast-side down, with the legs towards you. Using sturdy scissors cut along either side of the back bone to remove it, cutting through the rib bones as you go. Open the chicken out and turn over. Flatten the breastbone with the heel of your hand so that the meat is all one thickness. Add the preserved lemons, garlic, olives, harissa and olive oil in a bowl and mix well.

3.Place the spatchcocked chicken in a roasting tray and rub the preserved lemon and harissa mix all over the chicken. Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Roast for 45 minutes or until cooked through.

4.While the chicken is roasting, prepare the bulgar wheat salad. Place the bulgar in a heatproof bowl and pour over the boiling water to cover. Cover the bowl with clingfilm and leave to soak for 20 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed. Fluff up with a fork, then stir in the cucumber, spring onions, and herbs. Whisk the oil, lemon juice and garlic together in a small bowl and season with salt and pepper. Add the dressing to the bulgar wheat salad and toss to coat.

5.Transfer the roast spatchcocked chicken to the center of a large, warmed platter and spoon the bulgar wheat salad around the chicken to serve.

Clodagh McKenna

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