Mary berry Mediterranean chicken recipe
Mary berry Mediterranean chicken recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make main dish that incorporates flavors from the Mediterranean. The recipe features chicken breasts marinated in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, cumin, and oregano, which are then grilled or baked until juicy and tender. The chicken is served with a flavorful sauce made from roasted red peppers, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and balsamic vinegar. This dish is perfect for a quick and healthy dinner, and can be served with a side of rice or couscous.
Why people also love Mary berry Mediterranean chicken recipe
Mary Berry’s Mediterranean chicken recipe is a delicious, healthy and easy-to-make dish that combines the flavors of the Mediterranean into a flavorful meal. With the perfect balance of herbs, spices, and juicy chicken, this dish has become a favorite for many who are looking for a simple yet flavorful meal that can be whipped up in under an hour. The added bonus is that it’s low in calories, high in protein, and packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice too. Overall, it’s the ideal recipe for anyone looking to add some flavor and variety to their weekly meal plans.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- Juice of one lemon
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the sauce:
- 1 red pepper, roasted and chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can of chopped tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, cumin, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper.
- Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Toss to coat the chicken evenly.
- Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- Once the chicken is ready, remove it from the marinade and place it on the grill or in the oven. Grill for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature is 165°F. Alternatively, bake the chicken in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the sauce by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook for a few minutes until softened.
- Add the roasted red peppers and chopped tomatoes to the pan, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the sauce has thickened slightly, stir in the balsamic vinegar and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the chicken breasts with a generous spoonful of the sauce on top.
Quick Facts
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Marinating time: 30 minutes to 2 hours
- Cook time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes to 2 hours and 35 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Yield: 4 servings
Servings suggestions: This dish can be served with rice or couscous, alongside a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Expert Tips & Tricks:
- To save time, you can marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
- If using an oven, preheat the oven to 375°F. Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked through.
- Double the sauce recipe for extra sauce.
- For an extra kick of flavor, add some chili flakes to the sauce.
Nutrition information:
Each serving of this recipe contains approximately 250-300 calories, 30 grams of protein, and 10-15 grams of fat. It’s a healthy option for those watching their calorie intake while still getting a good dose of protein.
Presentation:
You can present this dish on a plate with the chicken breast in the center, and the sauce drizzled around it. You can also add some freshly chopped herbs such as parsley or cilantro as garnish for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Variations and substitutions for Mary berry Mediterranean chicken recipe:
- For a vegetarian option, you can substitute the chicken breasts with thick slices of eggplant or portobello mushrooms.
- You can use bone-in chicken thighs instead of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- If you’re not a fan of spicy food, you can omit the paprika and cumin from the marinade.
- Instead of roasting your own red peppers, you can use canned roasted red peppers to save time.
- If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, you can substitute it with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
- For a more tangy flavor, you can add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce.
- To add some sweetness to the dish, you can add a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar to the sauce.
- For a creamier sauce, you can stir in a tablespoon of heavy cream or Greek yogurt towards the end of cooking.
- You can add some additional veggies to the sauce such as zucchini, eggplant, or olives for extra flavor and nutrition.
- If you don’t have dried oregano, you can use fresh oregano or substitute it with dried basil or thyme.
Recommendations and notices:
- Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to develop.
- When grilling the chicken, make sure to preheat the grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- If baking the chicken in the oven, make sure to preheat the oven to 375°F and use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- When making the sauce, make sure to simmer it over low heat to prevent burning or scorching.
- You can adjust the seasoning of the marinade and sauce to suit your taste preferences.
- When serving, you can top the chicken with additional chopped herbs or crumbled feta cheese for extra flavor.
- Make sure to let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it, to allow the juices to redistribute and keep it moist.
- Keep an eye on the chicken while grilling or baking it, to ensure that it doesn’t overcook and become dry.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- If you’re using canned roasted red peppers, make sure to rinse them well before using them in the recipe.
FAQ for Mary berry Mediterranean chicken recipe
Yes, you can substitute bone-in chicken thighs for boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Yes, you can prepare the marinade and sauce up to a day in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator.
Yes, you can use canned roasted red peppers to save time.
Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to develop.
Yes, you can bake the chicken in the oven at 375°F for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
Yes, you can freeze the leftover chicken in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Yes, you can substitute balsamic vinegar with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
The recipe has a mild to medium spiciness level with the addition of paprika and cumin. Adjust the seasoning to match your taste.
Conclusion
Mary Berry’s Mediterranean chicken recipe is an easy and flavorful meal that combines simple ingredients with delicious flavors. The marinade gives the chicken a juicy and tender texture, while the sauce adds a sweet and savory kick to the dish. Overall, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, as it’s both healthy and packed with flavor.