Recipes

Whole Chicken

Roast chicken with lemon & rosemary roast potatoes
Warm chicken & orange winter salad
Roast Chicken with Couscous

Chicken Breasts

Chicken & Avocado Casserole
Baked avocado & mustard chicken
Spicy Avocado Chicken
Chicken with lemon & chilli broccoli
Chicken breast with asparagus, broad beans,
wild mushrooms & cider brandy

Flambéed chicken with asparagus
Chicken breasts with wild mushrooms
Mediterranean Chicken
Baked Buttermilk Chicken with a Herb Crust
Crunchy garlic chicken
Chicken parmigiana
Chicken breast in a lemon,honey & soy sauce
Chicken & black pudding with steamed spinach
Chicken Fajitas with Pineapple Salsa & Guacamole
One-pot Chicken
Sticky Mango Chicken
Cajun Chicken with giant couscous
Harissa Chicken & Squash traybake
Spinach, Ricotta & Chicken traybake
Thai Coconut crumbed Chicken traybake
Baked Avocado with Chicken & Chorizo Bites
Creamy garlic chicken

Chicken Thighs

One-pot chicken
Chicken, Bacon & Leek Pasta Bake
Chorizo, chicken & chickpea casserole
Couscous with Chicken & Pea Shoots
Pot-roasted chicken with lemon, spring onions & ginger
Chicken, Chorizo, Parma Ham & mushroom casserole
Chicken with mushroom & tarragon sauce
Sticky Chinese chicken traybake
Mini schnitzels with garlic sauce
Creamy chicken, bacon & basil pasta
Jerk Chicken
Afghan Yoghurt Chicken
Chicken & Mustard Gratin
All-in–one chicken with wilted spinach
Creamy chicken, bean & leek traybake
Spanish chicken traybake with chorizo & peppers
5-a-day chicken with kale & pistachio pesto
Chicken & new potato traybake
Cajun chicken traybake with sweet potato wedges & chive dip
Piri-piri chicken with smashed sweet potatoes & broccoli
Lemon & herb chicken traybake with butter beans & potato wedges
Roast chicken & spiced rice
Lemon & oregano chicken traybake
Amatriciana chicken traybake
Chicken, pancetta & pea pasta bake

Chicken Legs/Pieces

Chicken & sweet potato hotpot
Chicken with orange & black olives
Spanish chicken with garlic
Spicy chicken couscous
Chicken Liver Mousse
Chicken with rosemary & juniper
Chicken & bell pepper
Chicken Fajitas
Moroccan Style Chicken Stew
Indonesian garlic fried chicken
Chicken & Avocado Casserole
Oregano chicken & squash traybake
One-pan piri piri chicken dinner
Leftover Meat Strogonoff
 

Whole Chicken

Roast chicken with lemon & rosemary roast potatoes

2 kg chicken
sea salt
freshly ground black pepper
1.5 kg potatoes, peeled
1 large lemon, preferably unwaxed
1 whole bulb garlic, broken into cloves
1 handful fresh thyme
olive oil
1 handful rosemary sprigs, leaves only
8 rashers smoked streaky bacon

Rub the chicken inside & out with a generous amount of salt & ground black pepper. Cover the chicken & leave in the fridge.

Heat the oven to 190ºC/gas 5.

Cut the potatoes into golf-ball-sized pieces & put into a pan of boiling water with the whole lemon & the garlic cloves. Cook for 12 mins.

Drain. Allow to steam dry for 1 min. Remove the lemon & garlic. Toss the potatoes in the pan while still hot.

Carefully stab the hot lemon ~10 times. Pat the chicken with kitchen paper & rub it all over with olive oil. Push the garlic cloves, the whole lemon & the thyme into the cavity. Put the chicken into a roasting tray & cook in the oven for ~45 mins.

Remove the chicken to a plate. Toss the potatoes with the rosemary leaves in the fat left in the roasting tray. Shake the tray around,. Make a gap in the centre of the potatoes & put the chicken back in. Lay the rashers over the chicken breast.

Cook for a further 45 mins, until the potatoes are nice & golden. Remove the bacon & crumble over the potatoes. Remove the garlic from the chicken, squeeze all the garlic flesh out of the skin, mush it up & smear it all over the chicken. Discard the lemon & thyme & carve the chicken at the table.

Serves 6Back to top

Warm chicken & orange winter salad

A freshly roasted chicken, about 1.5kg
For the dressing:
2 tbsp tarragon or cider vinegar
1-2 drops of balsamic vinegar
The roasting tin juices (about 6 tbsp)
For the salad:
4 handfuls of salad leaves,
    such as chicory & watercress
3 blood oranges
1 pomegranate

Remove about ½ the meat from the bird in large bite-sized chunks. Put them in a mixing bowl. Rinse & dry the salad leaves, then divide them between 4 plates.

Peel 2 of the oranges & squeeze the juice from the 3rd. Slice the fruit thinly & mix with the salad leaves. Cut the pomegranate in ½, remove the seeds from 1 half & add to the salad leaves, then squeeze & reserve the juice from the remaining half.

Mix 5 tbsp of the orange juice with 4 tbsp of the pomegranate. Stir in the cider or tarragon vinegar, a little salt, a twist of black pepper & a couple of drops of balsamic vinegar. Pour into the roasting tin, stir with the roasting juices, & heat gently without bringing to the boil. Place the pieces of warm chicken among the salad then spoon over the hot dressing.

Serves 4Back to top

Roast Chicken with Couscous

1 whole roast chicken, sliced
12 medium courgettes, grated
250g couscous
4 tbsps extra virgin olive oil
1 large carrot, grated
2 tbsps finely chopped mint
2 tbsps flat-leaf parsley
400ml hot chicken stock
Juice of 1/2 orange
50g pine nuts, toasted

Soak the couscous & stock in a bowl. In another bowl mix the olive oil & orange juice. When the couscous is ready, fluff up with a fork, then stir through the carrot, courgette, herbs, pinenuts & olive oil dressing. Season. Serve with the chicken.

If you can’t buy a ready-roasted chicken, use any cold cured meat.

Serves 4Back to top

Chicken Breasts

Chicken & Avocado Casserole

6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 tbsps all-purpose flour
250ml single cream
250ml chicken stock
75g parmesan cheese
115g mushrooms
75g almonds
2 dashes Tabasco sauce
6 tbsps butter
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp rosemary
½ tsp dried basil
3 tbsp sherry
1 avocado
salt & pepper

Preheat oven to 180ºC/Gas 4. Melt 1 tbsp of butter with olive oil in a large heavy frying pan. Add chicken & sauté until browned & juices run clear.

Melt 4 tbsps of the butter until foamy, stir in the flour & cook for 3 mins.

Slowly add the cream & chicken stock, stirring until smooth & thickened. Season with the salt, pepper, Parmesan cheese, Tabasco & herbs. Set aside.

Sauté the mushrooms in 2 tbsps butter. Add sherry & cook until reduced. Place the chicken in a casserole & top with the mushrooms. Pour sauce over & bake, uncovered, for 25 mins.

Sprinkle with almonds & bake for 10 mins. Peel & slice avocados lengthwise & place over chicken before serving.

Serves 6Back to top

Baked avocado & mustard chicken

1 small skinless chicken breast
salt & black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
½ avocado, stone removed
For the mustard dressing:
1 tbsp olive oil
pinch sugar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
2 tsp white wine vinegar
salt & black pepper
55g cherry tomatoes, to serve

Preheat the oven to 220ºC/425F/Gas 7. Season the chicken with salt & freshly ground black pepper & brush with a little of the olive oil. Then place the chicken into a very hot griddle pan. Cook for 8-10 mins.

Meanwhile, place the avocado into a small oven-proof frying pan & place in the oven to bake for 5-6 mins, or until heated through.

When cool enough to handle, carefully peel off the skin. Place the olive oil, sugar, mustard & vinegar in a screw-topped jar. Season generously with salt & freshly ground black pepper, screw the lid on well & shake until the dressing is emulsified.

Cut the cherry tomatoes in half & arrange on a plate. Slice the baked avocado & arrange over the top of top of the tomatoes, then add the seared chicken. Spoon over the mustard dressing & serve.

Serves 1Back to top

Spicy Avocado Chicken

4 skin & boneless chicken breast halves
Salt & ground black pepper to taste
1 tsp salt
1 red onion, minced
2 tbsps lime juice
1 avocado, diced
¼ tsp black pepper
cayenne pepper

Stir the salt, pepper & cayenne pepper together; rub evenly into the chicken breasts.

Cook the chicken in the heated oil: 5-7 mins per side.

Stir the onion, lime juice, & avocado together in a bowl; season with salt & pepper.

Spoon over the chicken breasts to serve.

Serves 2Back to top

Chicken with lemon & chilli broccoli

5 chicken breasts halved
2 tsp sweet paprika
5 tbsp olive oil
500g broccoli
50g butter
200ml chicken stock
300ml white wine
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 sprigs of thyme
1 sprig of rosemary
1 lemon cut into quarters
1 small onion, chopped finely
1 tsp sliced fresh chilli
Freshly milled salt & pepper

Season the chicken with salt & pepper & a sprinkle of some of the paprika powder.

Heat a pan, add 1 tbsp of olive oil & the butter & brown the chicken all over.

Remove from the pan, add the onion, garlic, thyme & rosemary & sauté for 2 mins.

Add the rest of the paprika, then after 1 min return the chicken to the pan, along with the lemon. Pour the white wine into the pan, stirring well.

Allow the wine to reduce, then add the stock & simmer for 20 mins.

Remove the chicken breasts as soon as they're cooked, to stop them becoming dry, & allow the rest to cook for another 5 mins.

Bring some salted water to the boil, & blanch the broccoli until just cooked.

Drain then heat 4 tbsps of olive oil in a large frying pan. Sauté the sliced chilli for 1 min before adding the broccoli & tossing them together.

Season & serve with the chicken on top, pouring over any extra juices.

Serves 4Back to top

Chicken breast with asparagus, broad beans, wild mushrooms & cider brandy

For the Somerset cider brandy sauce:
25g shallots, sliced
2 cloves garlic, peeled
200g unsalted butter
5 sprigs thyme
1 bay leaf
50ml cider brandy
500ml chicken stock
50ml double cream
salt & freshly ground black pepper
For the chicken:
4 x 200g chicken breasts
salt & freshly ground black pepper
12 asparagus tips
100g shelled broad beans
unsalted butter
200g mixed wild mushrooms
200g baby spinach leaves

Sauce: Sweat the shallots & garlic in 25g of butter, without colouring. Add the thyme & bay leaf & sweat for 2 mins.

Add brandy & reduce until the liquid has almost disappeared. Add the chicken stock & reduce by ½.

Add the cream. Whisk in the remaining butter. Season with salt & pepper & set aside.

Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt & pepper, then wrap each in cling film to retain their shape. Poach the wrapped chicken breasts for 12-15 mins in a saucepan of boiling water.

Remove & leave to rest for 10 mins. Cook the asparagus & broad beans separately in boiling salted water until tender; drain & refresh in iced water. Cut all the asparagus tips to the same length & peel the broad beans to remove their tough skins.

Heat a knob of butter in a frying pan, unwrap the chicken & add to the pan.

Slowly fry until the skin is golden & crisp. Meanwhile, fry mushrooms in a little butter with salt & pepper. Add to the sauce along with the asparagus & broad beans & reheat. Quickly fry the spinach with a little butter, salt & pepper, then drain on a tray lined with kitchen paper. Slice each chicken breast into 5 rounds & arrange around warm plates. Place the spinach in the middle. Add 3 asparagus tips to each plate, & spoon around the mushrooms & broad beans with some sauce.

Serves 4Back to top

Flambéed chicken with asparagus

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp seasoned plain flour
2 tbsp olive oil
knob of butter
4 shallots, finely chopped
4 tbsp brandy or Cognac
300ml chicken stock
16 asparagus spears, halved
4 rounded tbsp crème fraîche
1 tbsp chopped tarragon

Dust the chicken with flour. Heat the oil & butter in a large, wide pan with a lid, add the chicken. Fry on all sides until nicely browned.

Add the shallots. Fry for about 2 mins until they start to soften, but not colour.

Pour in the brandy, carefully ignite, then stand well back until the flames have died down. Stir in the stock & bring to the boil. Reduce heat; cover & cook for 15 mins until the chicken is just tender.

Add the asparagus to the sauce. Cover, then cook for 5 mins more until tender.

Stir in the crème fraîche & tarragon & warm through. Season to taste.

Serves 4Back to top

Chicken breasts with wild mushrooms

2 chicken breasts, skinned & halved lengthways
25g dried mushrooms washed
1 tbsp shallots, peeled & finely chopped
100g fresh chestnut mushrooms, sliced
1 clove garlic, peeled & crushed
150ml dry port wine
salt & pepper to taste
240ml chicken stock
55g/ butter
90ml double cream

Marinade the chicken in 75ml of the port, garlic & ¼tsp salt.

Bring the chicken stock to the boil & simmer to reduce by 10%. Place the dried

mushrooms in a bowl & add the hot stock. Allow to stand for 1 hour.

Drain the dried mushrooms & slice. Reserve the stock liquid. Melt the butter in a pan & add the shallots. Sauté gently until transparent.

Add the fresh & dried mushrooms to the shallots & sauté for several mins.

Preheat the oven to 160ºC/Gas 3. Add the reserved stock, season with salt & pepper & simmer for 5 mins. Add the cream & remaining port & reduce by simmering for approximately 5 mins.

Spoon the mushrooms & shallots into a shallow casserole dish. Place the chicken breasts on top. Season with salt & pepper. Cover with silver foil & bake in the oven for approximately 20 mins, until the chicken is cooked. Serve with tagliolini pasta & uncooked baby spinach.

Serves 2Back to top

Mediterranean Chicken

4 x 125g skinless chicken breasts
2 courgettes, roughly chopped
400g can chopped tomatoes
100g olives, roughly chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsps capers
1 onion, finely chopped
4 tbsps roughly chopped basil

Heat the oil in a non-stick flameproof casserole. Add the onion; cook for 7-8 min until soft.

Add the garlic; cook for 1min. Add the chicken & cook for 5min.

Add the courgette, tomatoes, olives, capers & basil, cover & cook for 30min on a low heat until the chicken is cooked through.

Serves 4Back to top

Baked Buttermilk Chicken with a Herb Crust

4 chicken breast fillets, each cut into 3 long strips
20g pack fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
15g pack fresh rosemary leaves, chopped
284ml pot Buttermilk
75g Breadcrumbs
2 tbsp clear honey
2 tbsp Wholegrain Mustard
2 tsp cornflour

Preheat the oven to 200ºC/gas 6. Line a large ovenproof dish with baking parchment.

In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs with the herbs. In a separate bowl, lightly whisk the buttermilk, honey & mustard.

Transfer 6 tbsps of the buttermilk mixture to another bowl & add the chicken strips.

Turn to coat. Dip each chicken piece in the breadcrumbs & place on the baking parchment. Bake in the oven for 10 mins, then turn over & cook for 10 mins more or until the chicken is cooked through, there is no pink meat & the juices run clear.

Meanwhile, mix the cornflour to a smooth paste with a little of the remaining buttermilk mixture. Place the rest of the mixture in a small pan & heat gently. Whisk in the cornflour paste, stirring until the sauce thickens slightly.

Serve with sweet potato mash & green vegetables.

Serves 4-6Back to top

Crunchy garlic chicken

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
40g grated parmesan
large garlic clove, crushed
1/2 tsp mixed dried herbs
50g panko breadcrumbs
5 tbsp mayonnaise
1 lemon, zested

Prepare a baking tray lined with baking parchment or oiled foil.Heat oven to 200ºC/180ºC fan/gas 6.

Mix the parmesan, mayo, garlic, lemon zest, herbs & seasoning to form a paste . Tip the crumbs into a dish & shake so they cover the base.

For each chicken breast: blot well with kitchen paper to help the coating stick & dip into the mayo mix to coat it all over. Then cover completely with crumbs pressing them in gently. Place on the prepared baking tray.

Bake for 25-30 mins. Slice into 3 or 4 thick slices, scatter over the chives.

Serves 2Back to top

Chicken parmigiana

2 large, skinless chicken breasts
60g light mozzarella, torn
2 garli cloves, crushed
2 eggs, beaten
75g breadcrumb
75g parmesan, grated
1 tbsp olive oil
345ml jar passata
1 tsp caster sugar
1 tsp dried oregano

Halve the chicken breasts through the middle then place between cling film & flatten to 3mm thick. Dip in the eggs, then in the breadcrumbs, mixed with 1/2 the parmesan. Set aside in the fridge.

Heat the olive oil & cook the garlic for 1 min, then tip in the passata, caster sugar & oregano. Season & simmer for 5-10 mins.

Heat the grill to high & cook the chicken for 5 mins each side.

Pour the tomato sauce into a shallow dish & top with the chicken. Scatter over the pieces of mozzarella, & the rest of the parmesan & grill for 3-4 mins until the cheese has melted & the sauce is bubbling.

Serves 4Back to top

Chicken breast in a lemon,honey & soy sauce

2 chicken breasts
half a lemon
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp dark soy sauce

Preheated the oven to 190ºC/gas 5/fan 170ºC.

Squeeze the lemon into a bowl & stir in the honey & soy sauce. Put the chicken, skin side up in a small baking dish & season. Spoon the mixture over the chicken. Tuck the lemon between the pieces. Roast, uncovered, for 30-35 mins. Baste twice or more.

Serve with salad & potatoes roasted with herbs & garlic.

Serves 2Back to top

Chicken & black pudding with steamed spinach

900ml pints chicken stock
4 boneless chicken breasts
40g butter
225g black pudding, sliced in 16
175ml sweet wine
1½ tsp lemon juice
1½ tsp chopped tarragon leaves
salt & reshly ground black pepper
For the spinach:
900g fresh spinach, large stems removed
freshly grated nutmeg
salt & freshly ground black pepper
25g butter

Boil the stock vigorously until it has reduced to 175ml.

Season the chicken on both sides with salt & pepper. Heat a small knob of butter in a frying pan. When it is foaming add the chicken breasts, skin-side down, & cook over a medium heat for 6 mins until the skin is crisp & golden.

Turn the chicken breasts over & cook for 6-7 mins. Remove the chicken from the pan & keep warm.

Add the black pudding slices & fry for 1 min on each side. Set aside.

Add the wine to the pan & boil, scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the pan, until reduced to about 3 tbsps. Add the reduced chicken stock & boil for 1-2 mins.

Whisk in the rest of the butter a small piece at a time, then add the lemon juice & season to taste.

Drop a large handful of the spinach, into a large hot pan, adding another as each one wilts down. Then cook for 1 min.

Tip into a colander & lightly press out the excess liquid. Melt the butter in the pan, add the spinach, season with freshly grated nutmeg & some salt & pepper. Toss briefly over a high heat to combine.

Slice the chicken breasts diagonally. Arrange the slices in the centre of each warmed plate with the black pudding. Stir the tarragon into the sauce & spoon some of it over the chicken & a little around the outside edge of the plates. Serve with the spinach.

Serves 4Back to top

Chicken Fajitas with Pineapple Salsa & Guacamole

2 skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp vegetable oil
2 tsp chipotle paste
½ tsp cumin seeds
½ tsp fennel seeds
Large pinch smoked paprika
3 red peppers
12 salad onions, trimmed
½ lime zest & juice
8 corn tortillas
Salsa:
100g 1cm chunks pineapple
1 tbsp coriander leaves
1 tbsp mint leaves
1 jalapeno chilli
½ lime zest & juice
Guacamole:
1 small red onion
4 tomatoes deseeded
1 green chilli (deseeded?)
2 avocados in 2cm chunks
1 tsp olive oil
½ lime zest & juice
3 tbsp coriander leaves

Cut the chicken into 1cm strips & toss with ½ tbsp oil, 1 tsp chipotle paste, the cumin & fennel seeds & the paprika. Season. Marinade for 2hr+ or preferably overnight.

Preheat the oven to 220ºC/Gas 7.

Coat the peppers & salad onions in the ½ tbs oil. Put the peppers on a tray & roast for 25 mins until starting to blacken.

Add the salad onions & cook for 10 mins more.

Transfer the peppers to a bowl, cover with cling film & leave to cool. Then remove & discard the skin & seeds & cut into strips. ½ the salad onions lengthwise & then ½ again.

Heat a large frying pan over a medium high heat. Cook the chicken, in batches if needed, until piping hot, ~15mins.

Toss in the peppers, onions, lime zest & juice & 1 tsp chipotle paste, season & keep warm.

Roughly chop the coriander & mint. Finely slice the jalapeno. Finely chop the onion, tomatoes, chilli. Mix all the pineapple salsa ingredients in a bowl & season.

Mix all the guacamole ingredients together carefully, making sure the avocado doesn't get too mushy.

Griddle or heat the tortillas according to pack instructions.

Serve everything in the middle of the table with some soured cream, grated cheddar, shredded lettuce & extra lime wedges if liked.

Serves 4Back to top

One-pot Chicken

4 chicken supremes
1 fennel bulb cut into 8 pieces
2 red peppers cut into strips
1 large onion, diced
8 cloves garlic, peeled
fresh parsley & thyme
3 potatoes peeled & sliced
olive oil
chicken stock

Seal the supremes (boneless chicken breasts with their skin on) in oil & cook under a lid for 5 mins. Remove, then brown the potatoes. Add the rest of the veg on top of the potatoes. Add the herbs & enough chicken stock to cover the potatoes. Cook until they're soft, then place the chicken breasts back in & cover & simmer until they are cooked through.

Serves 2Back to top

Sticky Mango Chicken

500g sweet potato, in thin wedges
1 tsp smoked paprika
4 skinless chicken breasts
6 tbsp mango chutney
3 tbsp olive oil
1 red chilli, chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed
100ml chicken stock
100ml orange juice
green veg or salad
Heat the oven to 200ºC/gas 6. Mix the sweet potato chunks with the smoked paprika

& 2tbsp olive oil. Roast for 25 mins.

Season the chicken breasts & fry in 1 tbsp oil until golden. Add the chilli & garlic & fry for 2 mins.
Add the stock, orange juice & mango chutney & boil for 10 mins, turning the chicken.
Serves 4Back to top

Chicken, Bacon & Leek Pasta Bake

450g skinless & boneless chicken thighs, chopped
2tbsp freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley
350g tub ready-made cheese sauce
25g freshly grated Parmesan
300g macaroni pasta
3 medium leeks, chopped
100g pack bacon lardons
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp Dijon mustard

Heat oil in a large frying pan. Add bacon & chicken & cook for 7–8min.

Add the leeks & continue cooking for 4–5min.

Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the packet instructions. Drain well.

Preheat the grill.

Add cheese sauce, mustard, bacon, chicken, leek & parsley to the pasta & mix. Tip into a heatproof 2.1l dish & sprinkle with parmesan. Grill for 4–5min until golden.

Serves 4Back to top

Cajun Chicken with giant couscous

4 chicken breasts with wing bone in
4 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 garlic clove, roughly chopped
For the couscous
150g giant couscous
6 tbsp olive oil
340g sweetcorn, rinsed
4 spring onions, finely sliced
juice 2 limes + wedges to serve
large handful coriander, roughly chopped
2 chillies deseeded & finely chopped

Slash the chicken breasts 3 times across the top. Mix with 3tbsp oil, seasoning & garlic. Marinade 15 mins – overnight.

Heat the oven to 200ºC/160ºC fan/gas 6. Roast the chicken minus marinade for 20-25mins.

Meanwhile cook the couscous then combine with the other ingredients.

Serve the chicken & coucous with lime wedges.

Serves 4Back to top

Harissa Chicken & Squash traybake

3 tbsp harissa
½ x 500g pot low-fat natural yogurt
4 skinless chicken breasts, slashed
1 small butternut squash, peeled,
    deseeded & cut into long wedges

Heat the oven to 200ºC/180ºC fan/ gas 6.

Mix 2 tbsp of the harissa with 3 tbsp of the yogurt. Rub all over the chicken breasts & set aside to marinate while you start the veg.

Toss the squash & the onions with remaining harissa, mixed with 2 tbsp oil (sunflower, vegetable or olive is fine), & some seasoning in a large roasting tin. Roast for 10 mins.

Remove veg from the oven, add the chicken to the tin, then roast for a further 20-25 mins until the chicken & veg are cooked through. Serve with the remaining yogurt on the side, & a big bowl of couscous or rice.

Serves 4Back to top

Spinach, Ricotta & Chicken traybake

3 x bags baby spinach
4 tbsp ricotta
zest & juice 1 lemon
a few grinds of nutmeg
4 skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp olive oil
50g fresh breadcrumb, seasoned
3 courgettes, cut into batons
2 peppers, sliced
2 red onions, cut into wedges, roots intact
250g vine cherry tomato
4 garlic cloves

Heat oven to 200ºC/180ºC fan/gas 6.

Put the spinach in a large colander & pour over 1-2 kettles of boiling water to wilt. Allow to drain for a few mins, then squeeze out as much excess water as possible. Chop, put in a bowl & beat in the ricotta, lemon zest, nutmeg & plenty of seasoning.

Using a sharp knife, cut a slit into the side of each chicken breast & use your fingers to make a little pocket. Spoon the mixture into the 4 breasts. Rub with 2 tsp of the oil & press the breadcrumbs on top, then arrange the chicken in a roasting tin.

Put the vegetables on another tray & drizzle with the remaining oil, & season well. Bake the chicken & veg for around 30 mins, stirring the veg once. Remove when the chicken is cooked through & the breadcrumbs are golden.

Remove the softened garlic from the vegetables & mash it with the lemon juice, then stir this with the roasted veg & serve with the chicken.

Serves 4Back to top

Thai Coconut crumbed Chicken traybake

1 butternut squash, peeled, deseeded & cubed
1 large aubergine, cubed
1 tbsp rapeseed oil
3 tbsp desiccated coconut
4 tbsp fresh breadcrumb
4 skinless chicken breasts
1 egg, beaten
300g cherry tomato
2 tbsp Thai red curry paste
handful coriander leaves, roughly chopped

Heat the oven to 200ºC/180ºC fan/gas 6.

In a roasting tin, toss the squash & aubergine in the oil. Season & spread out in a single layer. Roast for 30 mins, turning once.

Mix the coconut & breadcrumbs with some seasoning. Dip the chicken breasts in the egg, then press in the crumbs to coat, shaking off any excess. Toss the tomatoes & curry paste in with the roasted veg & give them a good stir. Nestle the chicken breasts in the veg & pop back in the oven for a further 25-30 mins until the chicken is cooked through, shaking the pan once or twice.

Sprinkle over the coriander & serve with lime wedges to squeeze over.

Serves 4Back to top

Creamy garlic chicken

1kg floury potatoes, peeled and chopped
50g butter plus 2 tbsp
1 onion, finely chopped
3-4 garlic cloves, crushed
4 skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
150ml white wine
300ml crème fraîche
½ small bunch parsley, finely chopped
200g baby spinach
½ lemon, juiced

Cook the potatoes in boiling salted water for 20-25 mins until tender when pierced. Meanwhile, heat the 2 tbsp butter in a frying pan over a medium heat until melted. Fry the onion for 10 mins until softened. Stir in the garlic, fry for 1 min more. Add the chicken & fry for 5 mins until lightly golden.

Pour in the wine, bring to a simmer & reduce until halved. Stir in 250ml of the crème fraîche. Cook for 5 mins until the chicken is cooked through & the sauce has thickened slightly.

Drain the potatoes, leave to steam dry for 1 min, then mash with the 50g butter, remaining crème fraîche & some seasoning, until smooth. Stir the herbs & spinach through the chicken. Cook for 1 min or so until the spinach wilts. Add the lemon juice & some seasoning. Serve spooned over the creamy mash.

Serves 4Back to top

Chicken Thighs

One-pot chicken

8 chicken thighs
1 tbsp olive oil
150g jasmine rice
400g tomato passata
200ml tomato juice
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp brown sugar
100g sundried tomatoes
2 garlic cloves, crushed
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 large onion, finely sliced
100g pitted green olives, chopped
½ bunch tarragon, leaves chopped
A good pinch of black pepper

Heat the oven to 180ºC/gas 4.

In a frying pan on a high heat quickly brown off the chicken in the oil. Put the rice in a casserole dish, then add the chicken & onion. Mix the remaining ingredients together & add them to the casserole dish. Stir well. Put the lid on & bake for 20 mins. Remove the lid & bake for a further 10 mins.

Serves 4Back to top

Chicken, Bacon & Leek Pasta Bake

450g boneless & skinless chicken thighs, chopped
2tbsp freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley
350g tub ready-made cheese sauce
25g freshly grated Parmesan
300g macaroni pasta
3 medium leeks, chopped
100g pack bacon lardons
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp Dijon mustard

Heat oil in a large frying pan. Add bacon & chicken & cook for 7–8min.

Add the leeks & continue cooking for 4–5min.

Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the packet instructions. Drain well.

Preheat the grill.

Add cheese sauce, mustard, bacon, chicken, leek & parsley to the pasta & mix. Tip into a heatproof 2.1l dish & sprinkle with parmesan. Grill for 4–5min until golden.

Serves 4Back to top

Chorizo, chicken & chickpea casserole

2 tbsp vegetable oil
500g chicken thighs
275g chorizo, chopped
1 onion, sliced
1 garlic clove, sliced
2 carrots, chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
splash red wine
1 red chilli, de-seeded & chopped
100ml dry sherry
1 x 400g can chopped tomatoes
200ml chicken stock
1 400g can chickpeas, rinsed & drained
salt & freshly ground black pepper
handful chopped fresh parsley
crusty bread, to serve

Heat half of the vegetable oil in a large pan. Add the chicken thighs & fry, turning frequently, until lightly browned all over. Remove from the pan & keep warm.

Add a little more oil to the pan, then add the onion, garlic, carrots, celery & chilli & cook for 5 mins. Add a splash of red wine & simmer until reduced by half.

In another pan, heat the remaining oil & fry the chorizo for 2-3 mins. Add the sherry & cook until the chorizo is crisp. Set aside.

Add the can of chopped tomatoes to the pan with the vegetables & bring to the boil.Cook for 5 mins.

Add the browned chicken, the chickpeas & crisp chorizo & simmer for 20-25 mins, or until the chicken is completely cooked through. Season, to taste, with salt & freshly ground black pepper.

Sprinkle with chopped parsley & serve with crusty bread.

Serves 4Back to top

Couscous with Chicken & Pea Shoots

Olive oil
4 chicken thighs
Salt & pepper
1 sprig rosemary
1 dsp raisins
½ tsp pesto
50ml vinaigrette
400ml boiling water
250g instant couscous
1 clove crushed garlic
2 spring onions, sliced
½ tsp ground ginger
1 dsp chopped hazelnuts
4 salad radishes, sliced
½ handful peashoots

Heat a touch of olive oil in a frying pan. Season the chicken with salt & pepper & cook together with the crushed garlic & rosemary over a medium heat for 15-20 mins, turning occasionally until it is golden brown & a knife can go through it easily.

If it appears to be dry, add a touch of water. Once it is cooked, allow it to cool & either shred the meat or remove the bone & slice into strips, skin & all.

While the chicken is cooling, place the couscous in a bowl with a pinch of salt & 1 tbsp of olive oil, add the boiling water, stir & cover with a plate or clingfilm. Leave for 5 mins before removing the cover & breaking the couscous up with a fork. Add the chicken & remaining ingredients. Mix well & check the seasoning. Serve in a large bowl at room temperature.

Serves 4 as a starter or 2 as a mainBack to top

Pot-roasted chicken with lemon, spring onions & ginger

2 cloves of garlic
Pinch of dried chilli
Juice of 1 lemon
8 chicken thighs
Olive oil
A few glugs of white wine (optional)
5cm piece of ginger, peeled & chopped
2 bunches of spring onions, roughly chopped
1 bunch of green asparagus, roughly chopped

In a pestle & mortar, grind the ginger, garlic, chilli & lemon juice into a paste. Slash the skin of the chicken thighs & rub the seasoning all over.

Heat a dash of good olive oil in a large frying pan. When the oil is ready, put the chicken thighs in, skin side down first. As the skin starts to render down, pour away any excess fat, then add the white wine to deglaze any caramelised juices.

Keep turning the chicken until it is cooked evenly on both sides – this should take about 15-20 mins, until you are able to put a knife straight through it.

To finish, baste the chicken in its juices, then add a squeeze of lemon juice. When ready, remove from the pan & sauté the sliced asparagus & spring onions. Add the chicken to the pan with the vegetables, then serve all together.

This is a version of chicken cacciatore. To spice it up slightly add a touch of curry powder or paprika. Scoring the chicken skin is essential to allow the maximum flavour to get into the chicken. It's the perfect dish to leave to cook itself – just turn the heat down & cover with parchment paper. The veg could be replaced with mushrooms or broccoli.

Serves 4Back to top

Chicken, Chorizo, Parma Ham & mushroom casserole

800g boneless chicken thighs in chunks
2 400g tins cherry tomatoes in juice
150ml dry sherry/white wine
250g button mushrooms, large halved
2 large red onions, sliced
6 garlic cloves, chopped
few sprigs flat leaf parsley chopped
1 pack parma ham
1 lemon, juice & zest
350g chorizo, diced
½ tsp smoked paprika
2tsp sugar
2tbsp olive oil

Cook the chicken in 1 tbsp oil until golden. Remove to a plate.

Add the chorizo & onion, cook for 5 mins. Add the garlic & paprika & cook for a few more mins.

Return the chicken to the pan & add the tomatoes, lemon zest & juice, sugar & sherry. Simmer, loosely covered with foil for 1hr 30mins. Fry the mushrooms in 1tbsp oil until golden, stir into the casserole for the last 10mins cooking. Put in a serving dish; drape over the ham & scatter with parsley.

Serves 6Back to top

Chicken with mushroom & tarragon sauce

300g mushrooms
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, crushed
Sprig of thyme
2 tsp butter
8 chicken thighs
250ml chicken stock
300ml double cream
1 tbsp chopped tarragon

Put the olive oil, garlic & thyme into a pan with a teaspoon of butter. Season the chicken thighs, add them to the pan & sauté until the skin is crisp & nicely coloured.

Add the stock & simmer for up to 15 mins until the chicken is cooked. Remove the thighs & leave to rest on a warm plate. Reserve any liquid from the pan.

Clean & chop the mushrooms then sauté them in 1 tsp of butter. Add the cream, simmer until it reduces by half, then add the chicken & any reserved stock.

Garnish with the tarragon & serve with a crisp green salad.

Serves 4-6Back to top

Sticky Chinese chicken traybake

8 chicken thighs, skin on & bone in
4 tbsp hoisin sauce
2 tsp sesame oil
2 tbsp clear honey
1½ tsp Chinese five-spice powder
thumb-sized knob of ginger, grated
2 garlic cloves, grated
bunch spring onions, chopped
50g cashew nuts, toasted
cooked brown rice, to serve

Heat oven to 200ºC/180ºC fan/gas 6.

Arrange the chicken thighs in a roasting tin & slash the skin 2-3 times on each thigh. Mix together the hoisin, sesame oil, honey, five-spice, ginger, garlic & some seasoning. Pour over the chicken & toss to coat.

Marinate the chicken for 2 hrs, or overnight if you have time.

Bake, skin-side up, for 35 mins, basting at least once. Stir in the cashew nuts & sprinkle the spring onions over the chicken. Return to the oven for 5 mins.

Serves 4Back to top

Mini schnitzels with garlic sauce

500g skinless, boneless chicken thigh fillets
4 fat garlic cloves, finely chopped
200g crème fraîche
½ small bunch curly parsley, finely chopped
4 tbsp plain flour
2 eggs, beaten
140g dried breadcrumbs
75g butter

Heat the oven to 220ºC/200ºC fan/gas 7.

Place the chicken thigh fillets between 2 pieces of cling film & flatten to ~1cm thick. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Put the flour, eggs & breadcrumbs on 3 separate plates. Season the flour, then toss the chicken pieces in it to coat, followed by the egg & then coat in breadcrumbs.

Place on a baking sheet & bake for 10-12 mins.

Melt the butter, stir in the garlic & cook for 3-4 mins until softened. Turn down the heat, whisk in the crème fraîche & most of the parsley. Season to taste. Serve the sauce in a small pot. Sprinkle the remaining parsley over the sauce.

Serves 4Back to top

Creamy chicken, bacon & basil pasta

3 large boneless, skinless chicken thighs, in strips
handful fresh basil, torn,+ extra for garnish
200g cheddar or Parmesan, grated + extra to garnish
salt & freshly ground black pepper
5 rashers bacon, chopped
1-2 garlic cloves, crushed
300ml double cream
3 tbsp olive oil
450g farfalle

Cook the pasta according to packet instructions in salted boiling water, then drain.

Heat the oil in a frying pan. Add the chicken & bacon & cook for 3-4 mins, or until the chicken is golden-brown & cooked through.

Add the garlic & cook for 1 min. Season, to taste, with salt & pepper, add the cream & warm through. Add the sauce to the pasta & stir well. To serve, stir in the basil & cheddar, spoon onto serving plates.

Garnish with extra grated cheese & basil leaves.

Serves 4Back to top

Jerk Chicken

12 chicken thighs, bone in
1 lime, halved
For the jerk marinade:
1 big bunch spring onions
3 garlic cloves
½ a small onion
3 scotch bonnet chillies
½ tsp dried thyme, or
1 tbsp thyme leaves
hot sauce, to serve (optional)
thumb-sized piece ginger
juice 1 lime
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp vegetable oil
3 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp ground allspice
1 tsp salt


Roughly chop the spring onions & ginger. De-seed the chillies. Puree all the marinade ingredients in a food processor. Slash the chicken thighs & rub the marinade into the crevices. Leave overnight in the fridge.

Heat the oven to 180ºC/160ºC fan/gas 4.

Roast the chicken pieces with the lime halves for 45 mins until tender & cooked through.

Squeeze the roasted lime over the chicken & serve with the hot marinade as a sauce if you like it hot!.

A substitute for allspice is nutmeg, cinnamon & clove mixed together.

Serves 6Back to top

Afghan Yoghurt Chicken

1 tbsp groundnut or vegetable oil
8 boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 onion, peeled & finely chopped
5 garlic cloves, peeled & chopped
1 green chilli, finely chopped
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp ground cumin
3 cardamom pods, crushed
1 tsp hot paprika
500g Greek yoghurt
small bunch of coriander, finely chopped
small bunch of mint, finely chopped
sea salt & freshly ground black pepper

Cut each chicken thigh into 4. Heat the oil in a lidded casserole pan. Brown the chicken in batches. Remove & set aside. Cook the onion in the pan over a low heat for 8 mins, For the last minute add the garlic & chilli. Tip in the spices & toast over a low heat for 1 min. Add the yoghurt, chicken & a splash of water then the chopped herbs & a little salt & pepper. Stir. Cover & poach for 20 mins.

The curry is ready when the chicken is cooked through & tender & the sauce has thickened. If the sauce looks a little curdled (it’s caused by the yoghurt) add a splash of water if you like. Serve with rice.

Serves 4-6Back to top

Chicken & Mustard Gratin

12 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
500ml chicken stock
3 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp crème fraiche
20g tarragon, chopped
5tbsp breadcrumbs
3tbsp chopped parsley
125g Gruyere grated

Heat the oven to 180ºC/160ºC fan/gas 4.

Bring the chicken thighs & stock to a gentle simmer for 20-25 mins.

Remove the thighs & chop into bite-sized chunks. Boil the stock until reduced to half.

Stir in the mustard, crème fraîche & tarragon. Transfer to a shallow gratin dish along with the chicken, season & scatter the breadcrumbs, parsley & Gruyere. Bake for 30 mins.

Serves 4Back to top

All-in–one chicken with wilted spinach

2 beetroot, peeled & cut into small chunks
300g celeriac, cut into small chunks
2 red onions, quartered
4 garlic cloves, crushed
4 garlic cloves, peeled
1 tbsp rapeseed oil
1½ tbsp fresh thyme leaves, + extra to serve
1 lemon, zested & juiced
1 tsp fennel seeds
1 tsp English mustard powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
4 tbsp bio yogurt
4 bone-in chicken thighs, skin removed
260g bag spinach

Heat the oven to 200ºC/180ºC fan/gas 6. Tip the beetroot, celeriac, onions & whole garlic cloves into a shallow roasting tin. Add the oil, 1 tbsp thyme, half the lemon zest, fennel seeds & a squeeze of lemon juice, then toss together. Roast for 20 mins.

Stir the mustard powder & paprika into 2 tbsp yogurt in a bowl. Add half the crushed garlic, the remaining lemon zest & thyme, & juice from half the lemon. Add the chicken & toss well until it’s coated all over. Put the chicken in the tin with the veg & roast for 40 mins until the chicken is cooked through & the vegetables are tender.

About 5 mins before the chicken is ready, wash & drain the spinach & put it in a pan with the remaining crushed garlic. Cook until wilted, then turn off the heat & stir in the remaining yogurt. Scatter some extra thyme over the chicken & vegetables, then serve.

Serves 2Back to top

Creamy chicken, bean & leek traybake

2 tbsp olive oil
8 chicken thighs
3 leeks, sliced into rounds
2 large garlic cloves, crushed
2 x 400g cans cannellini beans,
    drained & rinsed
500ml hot chicken stock
1½-2 tbsp wholegrain mustard
100g crème fraîche
1 large lemon, zested
crusty bread, to serve

Heat the oven to 200ºC/180ºC fan/gas 6. Heat the oil over a high heat in a large non-stick frying pan. Season the chicken thighs & fry, skin-side down, for 5 mins until golden & crisp. Transfer, skin-side up, to a large baking tray. (If you’re doubling up this recipe, fry in batches & divide between two baking trays).

Fry the leeks in the pan for 5 mins or until just softened. Add the garlic & fry for 1 min more. Stir in the beans, then spoon into the tray, or trays, around the chicken. Pour the stock over the beans & season to taste. Roast for 20 mins, then remove from the oven & stir the mustard & crème fraîche through the beans. Roast for 10-15 mins more, or until the chicken is cooked through. To freeze, leave to cool completely & transfer to large freezerproof bags.

Scatter the lemon zest over the chicken & serve with crusty bread to mop up the juices.

Serves 4Back to top

Spanish chicken traybake with chorizo & peppers

4 fat garlic cloves
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, + a few sprigs
4 tsp olive oil
8 chicken thighs on the bone, excess skin trimmed
~700g mixed peppers, halved & deseeded
140g piece of chorizo, roughly chopped
20 pitted black olives
200g cherry tomatoes
3 tbsp sherry vinegar/red wine vinegar
crusty bread, or keto bread, to serve

Heat oven to 200ºC/180ºC fan/gas 6. Using a pestle & mortar, crush the garlic & thyme leaves with a little seasoning & 2 tsp oil to make a paste.

Rub the herb & garlic paste on the underside of the chicken.

Cut each of the pepper halves into 2 or 3 chunky strips, depending on their size. Pile into a large roasting tin with the chorizo & olives, toss with the remaining oil, then sit the chicken on top, skin-side up. Scatter over the tomatoes, spoon over the vinegar, season & tuck in the thyme sprigs.

Roast for 1 hr until the chicken skin is crispy & the vegetables have softened. Serve with crusty or keto bread, pasta or potatoes.

Serves 4Back to top

5-a-day chicken with kale & pistachio pesto

olive oil
500g butternut squash, peeled & in thin slices
    (the seeds can be toasted on a separate tray &
    scattered over the finished dish)
200g shallots, peeled & halved
300g baby leeks / large ones halved lengthwise &
    in short pieces
300g baby carrots / long ones in batons
400g fennel, in long wedges
1 garlic bulb, halved through the middle
3-4 large / 6-8 small chicken thighs, skin patted dry
For the pesto:
200g chopped kale, woody stalks removed
1 garlic clove, crushed
2 tbsp pistachio kernels
2 tbsp grated parmesan
½ lemon, juiced
60ml olive oil

Heat oven to 200ºC/180ºC fan/gas 6.

Put all the veg for the bake except the garlic in a large bowl & add 1 tbsp olive oil, then turn everything over so the oil adds a very thin coating. Lightly oil the tray as well to avoid things sticking.

Arrange the veg in piles on the tray, or scatter it all over. Add the garlic halves & the chicken, sitting the chicken on top of the veg. Season well & bake for 40 mins.

If the chicken skin is still pale turn the oven up until it is nicely browned.

To make the pesto. Whizz the kale, garlic & pistachios until everything is finely chopped. Add the parmesan, lemon juice & olive oil & whizz again. Add a splash of water to loosen. Any left over will keep in a jar for up to three days in the fridge. Serve the chicken & veg with the pesto spooned over.

Serves 3-4Back to top

Chicken & new potato traybake

3 tbsp olive oil
500g new potatoes
140g large pitted green olives
1 lemon, quartered
8 fresh bay leaves
6 garlic cloves, unpeeled
4 large chicken thighs
bag watercress / salad leaves, to serve

Heat the oven to 200ºC/180ºC fan/gas 6.

Pour the olive oil into a large roasting tin & add the potatoes, olives, lemon quarters, bay leaves & garlic. Toss everything together so it’s coated in oil & evenly distributed. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side up, & season.

Put the tin in the oven & roast for 1 hr, basting with the pan juices halfway through cooking.

Then check that the potatoes are soft & the chicken is cooked through, Return to the oven for a final 15 mins to crisp the chicken skin.

Remove the tin from the oven. Press down on the roasted garlic cloves with the back of a spoon, discard the skins, & mix the mashed garlic with the meat juices. Serve with watercress or salad leaves on the side.

Serves 4Back to top

Cajun chicken traybake with sweet potato wedges & chive dip

1 tsp each ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves or 1 tsp dried
8 skinless, boneless chicken thighs (900g)
1 red & 1 yellow pepper, deseeded & chopped
3 red onions, sliced into 1cm-thin wedges
2 celery sticks (125g) , finely chopped
1 tbsp rapeseed oil , + 1 tsp
2 sweet potatoes cut into 16 wedges
150g Kefir or bio yogurt
2 tbsp snipped chives

Heat the oven to 200ºC/180ºC fan/gas 6.

Mix the cumin, paprika, oregano & thyme together in a bowl, with a good grinding of black pepper. Set aside 1 tbsp for the potatoes. Use the rest to rub all over the chicken thighs.

Tip the peppers, onions & celery into a large roasting tin & toss with 1 tbsp oil. Spread out the veg so it cooks evenly, then nestle in the chicken. Cover with foil & roast for 40 mins.

Meanwhile, coat the potato wedges in the 1 tsp oil & remaining spices, & arrange well-spaced apart on a non-stick baking tray. Put in the oven, on a higher shelf, when you have 35 mins left for the chicken. Stir the kefir & chives together to make a dip, adding up to 1 tbsp water to loosen, if needed. Set aside.

Remove the roasting tin & potatoes from the oven & turn up the heat to 220ºC/200ºC fan/gas 7.

Remove the chicken to a warm plate & leave to rest for 5 mins. Return the veg to the oven, uncovered, for 5-10 mins to colour a little.

Serve half the wedges on plates with half of the chive dip & half the veg & chicken. Cover & chill the remaining portions. Will keep chilled for up to three days.

To reheat, gently warm the potatoes in a non-stick frying pan, taking care they don’t burn. Heat the chicken until piping hot in a microwave or pan set over a medium heat. If freezing, leave to defrost fully before reheating in a pan over a medium heat until piping hot.

Serves 4Back to top

Piri-piri chicken with smashed sweet potatoes & broccoli

3 large sweet potatoes, peeled
    & cut into large chunks
oil, for drizzling
6-8 chicken thighs, skin left on
2 red onions, cut into wedges
25g sachet piri-piri spice mix
300g long-stem broccoli

Heat the oven to 180ºC/160ºC fan/gas 4.

Toss the sweet potatoes with a generous drizzle of oil & some seasoning, & tip into a very large roasting tin. Push the potatoes to one end of the tin, then, in the other end, toss the chicken with the onions, spice mix, a drizzle of oil & some seasoning. Roast for 40 mins, stirring everything halfway through.

Add the broccoli to the tin, drizzle with a little oil & season, then roast for 10-15 mins more.

Remove the chicken, onions & broccoli from the tin. Roughly mash the potatoes using a fork, making sure you incorporate all the chicken juices & spices from the pan. Spread the mash over the base of the tin, then top with the broccoli, chicken & onions & serve from the tin in the middle of the table.

Serves 3-4Back to top

Lemon & herb chicken traybake with butter beans & potato wedges

800g potatoes
3 tbsp olive oil
1 red onion, finely sliced
4 garlic cloves, chopped
400g can tomatoes
2 x 400g cans butter beans, drained
2 tsp mixed dried herbs
1kg skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs
1 lemon, cut into slices

Cut the potatoes into large wedges, then toss well in a large bowl with 2 tbsp of the olive oil & some salt. Spread the wedges out on a baking tray.

Fry the onion & garlic in the remaining olive oil over a low heat until soft & translucent. Add the tomatoes, butter beans, & some seasoning. Simmer for a few minutes, then pour into a baking tin or dish.

Mix a pinch of salt with the herbs. Stuff equal amounts under the skin of each chicken thigh. Put a slice of lemon on top of each thigh, then arrange on top of the tomato & bean mixture in the baking tin.

Bake the wedges & chicken traybake in the oven at 180ºC/160ºC fan/gas 4 for 45 mins until the chicken is cooked through. Check the potatoes after about 30 mins, shaking them around in the tray – depending on the size of the wedges, they may already be cooked through.

Serves 3-4Back to top

Roast chicken & spiced rice

1 chicken stock cube
4 tbsp mild or medium curry paste
2 tbsp butter or oil, + extra for frying
350g basmati rice
1 cinnamon stick
6-8 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin on
1 onion, halved & sliced
20g toasted almonds
350g green beans
handful of coriander leaves
mango chutney, to serve

Heat the oven to 220ºC/200ºC fan/ gas 6.

Pour 800ml just-boiled water into a heatproof jug, crumble in the stock cube & stir in along with half the curry paste & the butter or oil. Pour the mixture into a large baking dish or roasting tin (25 x 35cm & 5cm deep), & tip in the rice & cinnamon stick. Season & stir well.

Cut a few deep slashes into each chicken thigh, then rub all over with the remaining curry paste & some seasoning. Arrange on top of the rice mixture, then cover the dish or tin with foil & bake for 30 mins.

Meanwhile, heat a drizzle of oil in a frying pan over a medium heat, & fry the onion for 10-15 mins, or until soft & caramelised.

Uncover the chicken & rice. The rice should still be wet, but if not, top up with 50-100ml more water. Scatter over the almonds & bake, uncovered, for 10-15 mins more until the chicken is browned, all the liquid has been absorbed & the rice is cooked through & crisp at the edges.

Cook the green beans in boiling water for 2-3 mins, then drain. Scatter the coriander & fried onions over the chicken & rice, spoon a few dollops of chutney over the dish, & serve with the green beans.

Serves 4Back to top

Lemon & oregano chicken traybake

500g new potato, thinly sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
6-8 chicken thighs, skin on
8 shallots
100g bacon lardon
1 lemon, sliced into wedges
5 oregano sprigs
100ml white wine (see tip below)
200ml chicken stock

Heat oven to 220ºC/200ºC fan/gas 7.

Tip the potatoes into a large shallow roasting tin, drizzle with 1 tbsp of the oil, season well & toss to coat. Roast for 20 mins until starting to crisp.

Season the chicken thighs & add to the roasting tin along with the shallots, bacon lardons, lemon wedges & oregano. Drizzle with the remaining oil, then return to the oven for 20 mins.

Pour over the wine & stock, & roast for a final 20 mins until the chicken is golden & cooked through.

Serves 4Back to top

Amatriciana chicken traybake

1 long red chilli
3 tbsp tomato purée
3 tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves
8 skinless chicken thighs
500g new potato
4 thyme sprigs
140g cubetti di pancetta (or
    smoked bacon lardons)
400g tomatoes, ½ cherry / baby plum,
    ½ others - larger ones halved
green salad & bread, to serve (optional)

Heat oven to 200ºC/180ºC fan/gas 6.

Find a large roasting tin that will hold the chicken thighs & potatoes in a single layer. Halve the chilli, scrape out & discard the seeds if you don’t like it too hot, & remove the stalk. Put in a small food processor or mini chopper with the tomato purée, olive oil & garlic. Whizz to a paste, then spread over the chicken. Add the chicken & potatoes to the tin with a good grinding of black pepper & some salt, then mix everything together well with your hands. Add the thyme & roast for 30 mins.

Stir in the pancetta & roast for 15 mins more.

Then add the tomatoes & roast for another 15 mins until the tomatoes have softened & the chicken is cooked. Serve straight from the pan & eat with a green salad & some bread, for mopping up the juices.

Serves 4Back to top

Chicken, pancetta & pea pasta bake

77g smoked pancetta lardons
300g No.1 ditaloni rigati pasta
4 chicken thigh fillets
500ml fresh chicken stock
1 tbsp white wine vinegar
320g frozen peas
2 little gem lettuces, trimmed &
    cut into thick wedges
30g parmigiano reggiano, grated, +
    extra to serve
3 tbsp half fat crème fraîche
⅓ 25g pack chives, finely chopped

Preheat the oven to 200˚C, gas 6. Put the pancetta in a deep, flameproof roasting tin & cook in the oven for ~5 mins until crisp.Meanwhile, put the kettle on.

Carefully transfer the roasting tin to the hob over a medium heat. Stir the pasta into the pancetta, then add the chicken thighs, stock & 200ml boiling water, so the pasta is just submerged. Bring to the boil, take off the heat & cover tightly with foil. Transfer to the oven & bake for 30 mins, stirring & turning the chicken halfway through.

Lift the chicken onto a board. Mix the vinegar, peas & lettuce into the tin. Bake for 5-8 mins, uncovered, until the lettuce has wilted. Meanwhile, shred the chicken with 2 forks.

Take the tin out of the oven; stir in the chicken, cheese, crème fraîche & most of the chives; season. Top with more cheese, the remaining chives & plenty of black pepper, then serve.

Serves 4Back to top

Chicken Legs/Pieces

Chicken & sweet potato hotpot

4 chicken legs, skin on
2 tbsp olive oil
200g mushrooms, ½ or ¼ if larger
2 leeks, chopped into chunks
2 carrots, sliced
3 stalks thyme
3 cloves garlic, crushed
275ml white wine
1 sweet potato, sliced 5mm thick, peel on
Few knobs of butter
Salt & black pepper

Preheat the oven to 180ºC/gas 4.

Cut the chicken legs in half to give 4 thighs & 4 drumsticks, & chop off the knuckles.

In an oven-proof pan heat the olive oil, then add the chicken, season & colour evenly.

Remove from the pan & set aside. Add the mushrooms, leeks, carrots, thyme & garlic to the pan. Season, & sauté for 5 mins.

Add the chicken back to the pan & deglaze with the white wine. When the wine has all bubbled away, add 275ml boiling water. Cover the chicken with the sliced sweet potato, add a few knobs of butter & season with black pepper. Put in the oven for 30 mins. Remove & rest for 5 mins before serving.

Serves 4Back to top

Chicken with orange & black olives

2 tbsps olive oil
50g butter
2 whole chicken legs
225ml chicken stock
1 tsp dried thyme leaves
12 black olives, stoned
1 orange, halved then sliced
1 tbsp freshly chopped parsley
freshly ground black pepper

Heat the oil & ½ the butter in a shallow pan. Brown the chicken pieces on both sides, then add the chicken stock. Stir in the thyme, olives & the orange slices.

Cover & simmer gently for 20 mins.

Check that the chicken is cooked - the juices should run clear - then remove to a warm serving plate. Taste the sauce, add the parsley & season with pepper. Turn up the heat, reduce the liquid to 150ml, then whisk in the remaining butter. The sauce will be shiny & slightly thickened when it is ready. Plate the chicken pieces & pour over the sauce. Serve with wide noodles or steamed potatoes.

Serves 2Back to top

Spanish chicken with garlic

1kg chicken legs
300ml white wine
100ml extra virgin olive oil
3–4 sprigs of fresh thyme
2 tbsp olive oil
200ml chicken stock
3 whole heads garlic, unpeeled &
    halved horizontally
salt & freshly ground black pepper
lots of fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped
crusty bread & green salad, to serve

Place the chicken legs in a large non-metallic bowl & pour over the white wine & extra virgin olive oil. Add the garlic & thyme & season well with salt & black pepper. Stir thoroughly, cover with cling film & marinate in the fridge overnight.

Preheat the oven to 180ºC/gas 4.

Remove the chicken from the marinade, scraping off & reserving as much of the marinade as possible. Lay the chicken on a plate & pat dry with kitchen paper.

Heat the olive oil in a large, flame-proof casserole until smoking hot. Fry the chicken pieces on both sides until crisp & golden.

Add the marinade, along with the garlic & thyme, & stock to the casserole. Bring up to the boil & cover with a lid. Cook in the oven for 1½ hrs .

Remove the chicken to a serving dish, along with the garlic cloves. Keep warm.

Place the casserole over a high heat & boil really rapidly, whisking to emulsify the oil with the wine. Once the sauce is glossy & reduced, pour it over the chicken & garnish with the flat-leaf parsley. Serve with the bread & salad.

Serves 4Back to top

Spicy chicken couscous

8 handfuls of couscous (around 350g)
4 chicken breasts, skin off, cut into big chunks
A small handful of pinenuts
A small handful of mint leaves, roughly chopped
A few good pinches of cinnamon
2 handfuls of raisins or sultanas
2 tsp dried chilli
8 garlic cloves, crushed
1½ tbsp curry powder
Salt
8 tbsp olive oil
c 40g butter

Preheat the oven to 220ºC/gas 7.

In a bowl mix the chilli, cinnamon, garlic, curry powder, a couple of pinches of salt & 4 tbsp olive oil into a paste & roll the chopped chicken pieces around in it. Leave it to marinate.

Put the couscous, sultanas & 4 tbsp olive oil in a big bowl. Stir until the grains are well-oiled, pour on 400ml boiling water & cover with clingfilm. After 10 mins, mix in the chicken with some seasoning & spread out in an ovenproof casserole dish about 35cm x 25cm. Pour on just under a mug of water, dot 8 knobs of butter on top & put it in the oven for 25 mins.

The dish should have nice crunchy-looking couscous bits on top. If necessary, brown under the grill for a few minutes extra.

Scatter some pinenuts & chopped herbs on top.

Serves 6Back to top

Chicken Liver Mousse

450g chicken livers
1 large egg
2 teaspoons salt
Pinch of quatre-épices
2 tablespoons Cognac
280g unsalted butter, melted
Pinch of freshly ground white pepper
1 baguette, sliced & toasted, for serving

Preheat the oven to 150°C/Gas Mark 2.

Use 4 tbsps of the melted butter & a pastry brush, to coat 6x125ml ramekins.

Place the chicken livers in a blender. Add the egg, salt, quatre-épices powder, white pepper & Cognac. Process until smoothly combined, about 20 secs. Add the remaining melted butter & blend for 15 secs more. Pour the mousse mixture into the ramekins until ¾ full. Place in a baking dish & fill the dish with warm water to ½ the height of the ramekins. Carefully transfer to the oven & bake for 30 mins, or until the mousse is firm to the touch.

Let the ramekins cool, & then refrigerate until needed. Run a warm knife around the inner edge of each ramekin, cover with a plate & then invert. Serve chilled, with the toasted baguette.

Quatre-épices is a blend of nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon & allspice, used most often to flavour terrines. Make your own in a spice grinder or buy it pre-packaged.

Serves 6Back to top

Chicken with rosemary & juniper

4 tbsp olive oil
1.5kg of chicken pieces
1 onion, diced
1 bay leaf
500ml white wine
300ml chicken stock
1 sprig rosemary, plus extra to garnish
6 small garlic cloves,
    unpeeled but bash to break the skins
4 sprigs fresh thyme, + extra for finishing
Salt & freshly ground black pepper
1 tbsp juniper berries, lightly crushed

Heat half the oil over medium-low heat. Add the onion, garlic, bay leaf, rosemary & thyme; fry gently until the onions are soft & translucent – c.15 mins.

Remove from the pan & set aside. When cooled, remove the garlic skins.

Season the chicken pieces. Pour the rest of the oil into the pan & raise the heat to medium-high. Brown the chicken on all sides & transfer to a plate.

Pour the wine into the pan & let it simmer for a few mins, stirring to remove any tasty brown bits from the pan. Add the stock, juniper & onion mix, bring to a boil & simmer for 5 mins. Add the chicken, along with any juices, & simmer gently, partially covered, for 30 mins. Remove the chicken from the pan & keep warm.

Bring the sauce to a boil & reduce to thicken slightly. Season. Spoon the sauce over the chicken & garnish with a little more thyme & rosemary.

Serves 4-6Back to top

Chicken & bell pepper

6-8 peppers (red, yellow or orange)
8 chicken thighs, skin-on & preferably bone-in

Deseed the peppers, chop into generous chunks. Cook over a medium heat with the chicken. For the first 10 mins give it the odd stir to prevent it sticking. When the peppers release their juices, cover & cook over a low-medium heat for 30 mins.

It's a miracle: the rich complexity of the sauce comes from just 2 ingredients.

Season & serve with rice, couscous or French bread, to mop up with.

Serves 4Back to top

Chicken Fajitas

300g chicken, sliced
small handful fresh coriander leaves
100g cheddar cheese, grated
3 red peppers, cut into strips
1 onion, halved & sliced
2 tsp ground coriander
8 tortillas wraps
2 tsp ground cumin
pinch cayenne pepper
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tub of guacamole
1 tub sour cream

Mix the cumin, coriander & cayenne with some salt & pepper. Set aside.

Heat ½ the oil in a frying pan. Add the onion, peppers & ½ the spice mix. Cook for ~3 mins.

Tip the vegetables into a bowl. Place the pan back on the heat with the remaining oil. Fry the chicken & remaining spice mix together for 4 mins. Tip the chicken & cheese into separate bowls, garnishing the former with coriander. Heat the wraps.

Serves 4Back to top

Moroccan Style Chicken Stew

500g boneless skinless chicken (/lamb/turkey/pork), cubed
300g chopped vegetables (e.g. carrot, peppers, parsnip)
50g dried apricots/ raisins/ sultanas/ prunes – halved if large
1 x 400g tin tomatoes
1 heaped tsp each ground cinnamon & cumin
Dash oil
2 onions, sliced
200ml water
Salt & pepper

Add the oil to a pan, add the onion & cook until browned then add the cubed chicken & stir 2 mins. Add the vegetables & cook another 3 mins, mixing regularly.

Add the dried fruit, tomatoes, spices, water & seasoning. Bring to a gentle boil, turn the heat down & simmer gently for 20 mins stirring regularly. Serve with couscous, rice, baked potatoes or warm pitta bread & salad.

This can be varied depending on what you have in the fridge. It can be made with vegetable or chicken stock instead of tomatoes & served with quinoa. Add chilli to make it spicy. Add garlic/fresh coriander/parsley/mint. Can also double the amount of cumin & cinnamon or add smoked paprika.

Serves 4Back to top

Indonesian garlic fried chicken

1.4kg chicken wings, thighs and/or drumsticks
8 garlic cloves, peeled & smashed
250ml palm cider or rice vinegar
1½ tsp sea salt
Peanut oil, for frying

Rinse the chicken, drain & pat dry. Mix the garlic, vinegar & salt. Add the chicken & combine well. Cover in clingfilm & marinate in the fridge for 1-2 hrs, stirring once or twice to ensure the marinade coats every piece.

Remove the chicken pieces & pat dry, gently squeeze each piece to remove excess liquid.

Add oil to a depth of 2½cm in a 30cm frying pan & heat until hot but not smoking. In 2 batches slide the chicken pieces into the oil. After ~10 mins, when the chicken is deep golden brown & crispy, turn it over – it should take 20-25 mins in total. Test if the juices run clear, not pink. Remove the chicken pieces & drain on paper towels for a few minutes before transferring to a serving platter. Serve immediately.

Serves 4Back to top

Chicken & Avocado Casserole

6 Chicken joints
40g flour
1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
grated rind & juice of 1 lemon
50g butter
2 onions chopped
250ml white wine
125ml chicken stock
125ml soured cream
salt & pepper
2 avocado

Coat the chicken with the flour seasoned with salt & pepper, the chopped thyme & lemon rind. Melt the butter in a large frying pan. Fry the chicken until golden.

Then place in a casserole. Fry the onions in the fat remaining in the pan for ~5 mins.

Sprinkle over any remaining flour, cook for 1 min, then gradually stir in the wine & stock. Bring to the boil, stirring all the time.Then pour it over the chicken in the casserole, cover & cook in a moderate oven, 180°C/Gas 4 for 1 hr.

Remove the casserole from the oven, allow to cool for a minute & then stir in the soured cream. Toss the avocado slices in the lemon juice. Add to the chicken, cover the casserole & return to the oven for a further 10 mins.

Serves 6Back to top

Oregano chicken & squash traybake

180g pack grilled artichokes
1½ tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
2 tsp cumin seeds
8 chicken drumsticks
1 butternut squash, cut into chunks (leave the skin on – it adds flavour)
150g mixed olives of your choice, roughly chopped
large handful rocket

Heat oven to 220ºC/200ºC fan/gas 6. Measure out 1½ tbsp of oil from the grilled artichoke pack. Mix this with the olive oil, oregano & cumin. Put the chicken drumsticks & squash in a large roasting tin, toss in the flavoured oil & some seasoning.

Roast in the oven for 45 mins until tender & golden, then tip the artichokes & olives into the pan. Give everything a good mix, then return to the oven for 5 mins to warm through. Stir through the rocket & serve.

Serves 4Back to top

One-pan piri piri chicken dinner

1kg bone-in chicken thighs & drumsticks
500g baby potatoes, thickly sliced
2 peppers (1 red, 1 yellow), thickly sliced
200g cherry tomatoes
handful of coriander leaves, chopped
buttered corn on the cob, to serve
For the marinade:
1½ tsp smoked paprika
25g light brown soft sugar
1 lime, zested & juiced
1 tsp dried chilli flakes
2 garlic cloves, chopped
4 tbsp olive oil

Pound all the marinade ingredients together with 1 tsp salt using a large pestle & mortar, or blitz in a mini chopper to create a loose paste. Slash each chicken piece a few times, then tip into a bowl & coat in the marinade.

Cover & chill for at least 1 hr or up to 24 hrs.

Heat the oven to 220ºC/200ºC fan/gas 7.

Tip the chicken along with the marinade & potatoes into a roasting tin. Toss together, then arrange the chicken on top of the potatoes, thighs skin-side up. Roast for 35-40 mins until the chicken has browned.

Remove the tin from the oven & mix the peppers in with the potatoes, baste the chicken in some of the juices in the tin & turn the drumsticks. Nestle the cherry tomatoes in among the chicken & roast for another 20-25 mins until the chicken is cooked through, the skin is crisp & the vegetables are nicely roasted. Scatter with the coriander & some flaky sea salt, if you like, & serve straight from the tin with the buttered corn on the side.

Serves 4Back to top