Mid-week dinners can be a challenge, but they don’t have to be bland or complicated. Mary Berry, the beloved chef, offers a simple and flavorful honey chicken recipe that makes weeknight cooking a breeze. As Berry writes in her book *Classic By Mary Berry*, this dish is a “quick, easy and delicious” family favorite. The chicken emerges from the oven with a tender texture, a barbecue-style charred appearance, and a burst of flavor that will leave everyone satisfied.
Ingredients:
* Six chicken legs (about 200g/7oz each), skin on
* For the marinade:
* Six tbsp tomato ketchup
* Two tbsp tomato purée
* Two tbsp grainy mustard
* Three tbsp Worcestershire sauce
* Two tbsp runny honey
* One garlic clove, crushed
Instructions:
1. Using a sharp knife, create shallow cuts on the top of the chicken legs. This helps the marinade penetrate the meat more effectively.
2. In a large bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients and whisk until thoroughly blended. Add the chicken legs and use your hands to coat them completely in the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop.
3. While the chicken marinates, preheat your oven to 220°C/200°C fan/Gas 7. Line a roasting pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
4. Arrange the marinated chicken legs in the prepared pan, skin side up, in a single layer. Drizzle any remaining marinade from the bowl over the chicken.
5. Roast the chicken in the oven for 35-40 minutes, or until it is sticky, golden brown, and fully cooked. The chicken should be cooked through and the juices should run clear when pierced with a knife.
6. Remove the chicken from the oven and carefully transfer it to a serving platter. Remove any excess fat from the cooking juices and pour the juices into a jug for serving.
7. Serve the honey chicken hot, with the flavorful cooking juices poured over. Accompany the chicken with a green vegetable of your choice and a side of either sautéed or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Mary Berry’s honey chicken is a simple and satisfying dish that will become a regular on your weeknight dinner rotation. The combination of sweet and savory flavors, along with the tender chicken and the ease of preparation, make it a winner for any occasion.
