Transform your Iftar table with this innovative and healthy Date & Oat Crusted Chicken recipe. This dish combines the natural sweetness of premium Emirati dates with wholesome oats and aromatic Middle Eastern spices to create a crispy, flavorful crust that keeps the chicken tender and juicy. Perfect for those seeking a nutritious yet satisfying main course during Ramadan.
Why This Recipe Works for Ramadan
- Baked, not fried, making it lighter and healthier
- Can be prepared in advance
- Rich in protein and complex carbohydrates
- Natural sweetness from dates
- Perfect balance of nutrients for breaking fast
- Stays crispy even when served at room temperature
- Family-friendly recipe
Ingredients
For the Date-Oat Crust:
- 8-10 The Date Room Kholas dates, pitted
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/4 cup The Date Room Caramelised Pecans
- 1 teaspoon ground sumac
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Chicken:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Date-Yogurt Sauce:
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons The Date Room Date Dibs
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
- Fresh herbs for garnish
Method
- Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
- Pulse dates and oats in food processor until crumbly
- Add pecans and spices, pulse until well combined
- Transfer to a shallow dish
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat chicken breasts dry
- Mix olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic
- Season chicken with salt and pepper
- Brush with oil mixture
- Coating Process:
- Press each chicken breast into date-oat mixture
- Ensure even coating on all sides
- Place on lined baking sheet
- Drizzle with remaining oil
- Baking:
- Bake for 25-30 minutes
- Check internal temperature (165°F/74°C)
- Let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing
- Make the Sauce:
- Mix yogurt with Date Dibs
- Add lemon juice and salt
- Stir until smooth
Nutritional Benefits
This dish offers balanced nutrition for breaking fast:
- Dates: Natural energy, fiber, minerals
- Oats: Complex carbohydrates, fiber
- Chicken: Lean protein
- Nuts: Healthy fats, protein
- Yogurt: Protein, probiotics, calcium
Make-Ahead Tips
For efficient Ramadan meal prep:
- Prepare crust mixture up to 3 days ahead
- Coat chicken up to 4 hours before baking
- Make sauce 1 day ahead
- Store components separately
- Bring to room temperature before serving
Why Choose The Date Room Products
The success of this recipe relies on using premium quality dates and nuts. The Date Room’s Kholas dates provide perfect natural sweetness, while our Caramelised Pecans add delicious crunch and depth of flavor. Our Date Dibs brings the perfect finishing touch to the yogurt sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Saffron rice
- Roasted vegetables
- Fresh salad
- Warm Arabic bread
- Extra Date-Yogurt sauce
Variations
Customize your dish:
- Try different The Date Room nuts
- Add different spices
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts
- Make into smaller pieces for appetizers
- Add herbs to the crust
Visit our website www.thedateroom.com or our store in Abu Dhabi to select your perfect dates and nuts for this recipe and explore our full range of premium Emirati products.
Storage Tips
- Keep leftovers refrigerated up to 3 days
- Reheat in oven to maintain crispiness
- Store sauce separately
- Can be frozen before baking
- Best served fresh
Pro Tips
- For Perfect Crust:
- Don’t process too finely
- Press firmly when coating
- Don’t skip the resting time
- Use a meat thermometer
- For Best Flavor:
- Bring chicken to room temperature
- Season well
- Don’t overcook
- Let rest before cutting
Enhance your Ramadan table with this nutritious and delicious main course. For more innovative recipes and inspiration, follow us on social media and visit our blog regularly throughout the holy month.
A Sweet Note from The Date Room Family: Our recipes are created with love and shared in the spirit of Ramadan generosity. While we use our premium dates and ingredients in specific measurements, we encourage you to adjust flavors to your preference – after all, every family has its own special touch! As with any culinary journey, please be mindful of any allergies or dietary restrictions, and feel free to adapt ingredients accordingly. Each kitchen and cooking experience is unique, so consider our measurements and timing as friendly guidelines rather than strict rules. Most importantly, we hope these recipes bring joy and warmth to your Ramadan table.
