Mary Berry Italian Chicken with Olives and Tomatoes

Mary Berry Italian Chicken with Olives and Tomatoes is a delicious dish that combines tender chicken thighs with juicy tomatoes, salty olives, and fragrant herbs. It’s perfect for a cozy night in or as an impressive dinner party main course.

Why people also love Mary Berry Italian Chicken with Olives and Tomatoes

People love the Mary Berry Italian Chicken with Olives and Tomatoes because it’s a flavorful and comforting dish that’s also easy to make. The combination of chicken, olives, and tomatoes creates a delicious balance of salty, sweet, and tangy flavors that everyone can enjoy.”

Ingredients:

• 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes in juice
• 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives
• Handful of fresh basil leaves

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper.
3. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add olive oil to the skillet then add chicken thighs to it skin-side down.
5. Cook until golden brown on both sides about six minutes per side before transferring them to a plate.
6. In the same skillet, add onions and garlic and cook until soft for about 5 minutes.
7. Add diced tomatoes with juice to the skillet and bring it to boil while stirring occasionally.
8. Return chicken thighs back into the skillet skin-side up, spooning some of tomato mixture over each piece of chicken before adding olives on top.
9. Transfer your skillet to preheated oven then bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through (internal temperature should reach at least 165°F).
10. Remove from oven, sprinkle fresh basil leaves over your dish.

Quick Facts

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Yield: 8 servings

Serving Suggestions:
This dish is delicious served over a bed of fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes. You can also serve it alongside some roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini.

Expert Tips & Tricks:

• To make this recipe even easier, you can use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in.
• If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the chicken and tomato mixture to a baking dish before baking in the oven.
• For extra flavor, try adding some red pepper flakes to the tomato mixture before cooking.

Nutrition Information (per serving):
Calories – 365 kcal
Fat – 25g
Saturated Fat – 6g
Cholesterol – 139mg
Carbohydrates – 7g
Fiber – 2g
Sugar – 3g
Protein -28 g

Presentation:
To present this dish, you can place the chicken thighs on a large serving platter and spoon some of the tomato mixture over them. Sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the top for garnish. Alternatively, you can serve individual portions in bowls or plates with your choice of side dishes.

Variations and substitutions you can try for Mary Berry Italian Chicken with Olives and Tomatoes:

1. Vegetarian version: You can make a vegetarian version of this dish by substituting the chicken thighs with firm tofu or seitan, and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
2. Different herbs: Instead of basil, you can use other fresh herbs like parsley, thyme or oregano to add different flavors to the dish.
3. Change up the olives: If you’re not a fan of kalamata olives, you could try using green olives or even capers instead.
4. Add more vegetables: For extra nutrition and flavor, consider adding some chopped bell peppers, mushrooms or eggplant to your tomato sauce mixture before baking in the oven.
5. Use boneless chicken breasts: If you prefer white meat over dark, you can use boneless chicken breasts instead of thighs. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly so that they don’t dry out.
6. Make it spicy: If you like a little heat, try adding some crushed red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños to your tomato sauce mixture before baking in the oven.
7. Gluten-free version: To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch when coating the chicken before frying.
8. Low-carb version: For a low-carb option, skip serving over rice and instead serve with roasted cauliflower or zucchini noodles.

Recommendations and notices:

1. Use good quality ingredients: Since this recipe is relatively simple, it’s important to use high-quality ingredients to ensure the best flavor. Look for ripe tomatoes, fresh herbs, and good quality olives.
2. Be careful not to overcook the chicken: Overcooking can result in dry chicken that isn’t as flavorful or juicy. Make sure you check the internal temperature of your chicken thighs before serving (they should reach at least 165°F).
3. Don’t skip browning the chicken: Browning the chicken adds a lot of flavor to this dish, so be sure not to skip this step even if you’re short on time.
4. Adjust seasoning according to taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of salt, pepper or other seasonings used in this recipe to suit your taste preferences.
5. Let the chicken rest before serving: After baking in the oven, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute and keep it moist.
6. Store leftovers properly: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slowly on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot.
7. Be careful with hot skillet handles: Remember that cast iron skillets can get very hot, so be sure to use oven mitts when handling them both on the stove and in the oven.
8. Consider doubling or halving recipe based on needs: This recipe makes 8 servings but can easily be doubled or halved depending on how many people you’re feeding.

Conclusion:

Mary Berry Italian Chicken with Olives and Tomatoes is a delicious and easy-to-make recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. The combination of juicy chicken thighs, ripe tomatoes, salty olives and fragrant basil creates a flavorful dish that will leave your taste buds wanting more. With simple substitutions and variations, you can easily customize this recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Just be sure to use high-quality ingredients, don’t overcook the chicken, let it rest before serving and store leftovers properly. Enjoy!

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