Ultimate Chicken Biryani
This chicken biryani has got everything you want - fluffy rice which absorbs the fragrant and aromatic sauce, tender, moist chicken thighs, sweet caramelised onions and a luxurious saffron milk to finish everything off. This is full of flavour and texture and the whole thing is just a hug in a bowl. Plus at £2.01 a portion it’s an affordable, filling dish the whole family will love.
Roast Chicken Orzo with Fennel, Lemon and Parmesan
This is a true one pot dish which makes one chicken go a long way. Roasting the chicken on top of the orzo and vegetables allows all the chicken juices to be absorbed by the pasta grains, making them extra delicious. It’s a great way to enjoy a roast but without the many pots and pans and often hefty price tag. Healthy and so comforting at this time of year, this will become a regular recipe in your household I’m sure.
Sichuan Chicken Stir Fry with Cashews and Peppers
This is a quick and easy recipe which is perfect for when you’re short on time. It’s also a great fakeaway meal for when those takeaway cravings come calling. Cheaper, healthier and I think tastier than your average takeaway stir fry, I hope this becomes a staple recipe for you as it has for me.
Harissa Chicken, Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Traybake, Parsley Yoghurt and a Lemon, Olive and Herb Dressing
This recipe uses the tried and tested combination of harissa, sweet potato and red pepper for a deliciously simple midweek meal. The tender, caramelised chicken thighs, cooling yoghurt and sharp herby dressing add more flavours and textures and elevate this from your typical traybake recipe. A perfect, healthy midweek meal.
Chicken Kyiv with Garlic Herb Butter and Minted Veg
Chicken kyiv may be a retro classic but I’d forgotten just how delicious and comforting they are. This was a birthday request meal from a few weeks ago and I discovered when coming up with the recipe that the secret to a great chicken kyiv is the butter - it really is a case of the more butter the better. It’s the type of meal I never make but it’s the perfect weeknight comforting dinner on these dark, wintry nights.
Sunshine Paella
I decided to make this chicken, chorizo and prawn paella to bring some sunshine back into our lives during these cold winter nights. Full disclaimer - I know that chorizo is not in traditional Spanish paella recipes and is a very sensitive and contentious issue… However, I LOVE the flavour of chorizo in my paellas so couldn’t resist including it in my recipe! It gives such a nice smoky heat to the sauce which is just too yummy. Sometimes I find paellas too dry so my recipe is saucier than it should be traditionally but this is just how I prefer it.
Ginger Sesame Chicken with Orange, Garlic and Peanut Broccoli, Brown Rice and a Soy, Lime and Coriander Dressing
This is a bowl which just feels like it’s nourishing you from the inside out with every mouthful. Full of fresh, clean flavours and lots of texture - it’s quick, tasty and healthy. The broccoli recipe is from Ottolenghi’s Simple and is one of my favourites - a must try. This is a staple dish in our kitchen and I hope it will become one of yours too.
Baharat and Orange Chicken Thighs with Saffron Jewelled Rice, Dukkah Roasted Carrots and Dill Tahini Yoghurt
This is one of my favourite recipes I’ve made recently and would make a great alternative to your Sunday roast. The flavours are also quite festive and Christmassy. The spiced chicken thighs with the sweetness of the orange and pomegranate glaze were so tasty and the rice was buttery and rich with saffron, nuts and dried fruits. The carrots were roasted in a mixture of spices and topped with pistachios, dukkah and fruity pomegranates. The creamy dill tahini yoghurt underneath really made the dish - this is definitely a side that could go with anything.
Za’atar Chicken Thighs with Watermelon and Feta Salad
A refreshing watermelon and feta salad with some mouth-wateringly succulent marinaded chicken thighs. I love the addition of fruit in salads, and the crisp, sweet juiciness of watermelon chunks with salty crumbled feta, kalamata olives and a light lemon, balsamic and honey dressing is hard to beat.
Nduja Marmalade Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes, Lemon Parsley Yoghurt, Feta and Spicy Chickpeas
Calling all nduja lovers - this recipe is for you. Nduja salami paste is one of my favourite ingredients and this is one of my favourite recipes I’ve posted so far. Serve with flatbreads to mop up all the lovely juices.