Indecision about what to cook for dinner? This cheerful chicken dish is the answer! Mary Berry’s chicken hotpot recipe, found in her cookbook ‘Simple Comforts,’ is a delightful combination of a thick creamy sauce, crispy potatoes on top, and a medley of vegetables, making it a fantastic alternative to a traditional Sunday dinner.
Mary Berry describes this dish as “hearty, healthy and wholesome,” ideal for an informal gathering. The generous amount of tasty sauce is perfect for mopping up with a piece of crusty bread. This one-pot wonder takes only about 15-20 minutes of preparation before spending an hour in the oven, ensuring a delicious dinner with minimal effort.
How to Make Mary Berry’s Chicken Hotpot with Potato Topping
Ingredients (Serves six):
* 750g skinless boneless chicken thighs
* 750g large potatoes
* 200g chestnut mushrooms
* 50g butter
* 50g plain flour
* Two onions
* Two celery sticks
* Two carrots
* 100ml white wine
* 450ml chicken stock
* One tablespoon tomato puree
* One tablespoon chopped thyme
* Bay leaves
* Salt and pepper
Kitchen equipment needed:
* Large casserole dish with a lid
Method:
1. Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan or Gas 4).
2. Chop onions, celery sticks, carrots, and mushrooms. Peel and slice potatoes into discs.
3. Melt butter in the casserole dish. Add onions, celery, and carrots. Cook on high heat for a few minutes, turning frequently.
4. In a bowl, gradually add the wine to the flour, then slowly incorporate chicken stock while continuously mixing until a smooth sauce is formed.
5. Pour the liquid sauce into the vegetables and stir in tomato puree.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil. Slice chicken into strips and add to the sauce.
7. Remove from heat and mix in mushrooms, thyme, bay leaves, and season with salt and pepper.
8. Arrange potatoes in a neat layer on top of the dish, cover with the lid, and bake in the oven for approximately an hour, or until everything is tender and fully cooked.
9. Once cooked through, place the dish under the grill for five minutes until potatoes are golden brown.
Your delicious chicken dinner is ready to serve! Enjoy!
