Mary Berry’s One-Pot Chicken: A Flavorful and Convenient Meal
Renowned chef Mary Berry shares an exceptional one-pot chicken recipe in her cookbook, ‘Mary Makes It Easy.’ This culinary delight combines the ease of one-pot cooking with the tantalizing flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish serves 4 to 6 people, making it perfect for both intimate gatherings and family dinners.
The recipe begins by sautéing aromatic vegetables such as onion, fennel, and red pepper in a large casserole or ovenproof frying pan. Garlic is then added to enhance the savory base. White wine is poured in and allowed to reduce, intensifying the flavors. The flavorful sauce is created by incorporating chopped tomatoes, sun-dried tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce, seasoned to perfection with salt and black pepper.
While the sauce simmers, the chicken is prepared by removing the backbone and flattening it into a spatchcock chicken. This technique ensures even cooking and allows the chicken to absorb the tantalizing flavors of the sauce. Lemon slices and bay leaves are arranged over the chicken, adding a refreshing citrus note.
The chicken is then placed on top of the vegetables in the pot, breast-side up. The pot is covered and transferred to a preheated oven for approximately 35 minutes. Once cooked through, the lid is removed, and the chicken is generously sprinkled with paprika and drizzled with honey. The pot is returned to the oven, uncovered, for an additional 30 minutes, until the chicken is beautifully browned and fully cooked.
To serve, the succulent vegetables are spooned onto a heated platter, and the chicken is either jointed or carved and arranged on top. This dish presents a colorful and appetizing centerpiece for any dinner table.
Mary Berry’s one-pot chicken is not only a culinary delight but also a practical solution for busy weeknights. Its quick preparation time and minimal cleanup make it an ideal choice for home cooks seeking a flavorful and convenient meal.
