Television chef Siphokazi Mdlankomo says this easy one-pan meal is ideal for when you are caught up in a busy week but still need to feed the family. She calls it her "weeknight supper surprise".
Serves 6–8
Cook time 35-40 minutes
Ingredients:
- 8 chicken thighs
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp chicken spice
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 x 200 g packet bacon of your choice, chopped and fried until crispy
- 1 x 300 g punnet or pack of baby tomatoes
- a handful of fresh basil, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 2 x 410 g cans cannellini beans (do not drain or rinse)
- 1 green chilli, seeded and finely chopped
- 4 potatoes, peeled and sliced
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Method to make the one-pot-wonder chicken:
1 Preheat the oven to 180 °C. Place the chicken in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Season with the chicken spice, salt and pepper. Then rub the chicken so the spices are absorbed into the oil to coat the chicken all over.
2 Spread the onion slices over the bottom of a large casserole dish. Spread the fried bacon, tomatoes, basil, garlic, beans and chilli evenly on top of the onions.
3 Lastly, arrange the potato slices on top of the base mixture and season with more salt. Place the chicken on top and cover the dish.
4 Bake for 35–40 minutes. Serve with a fresh salad.
Recipe extract taken from Hearty Home Food with Sipho by Siphokazi Mdlankomo (Human & Rousseau – an imprint of NB Publishers)
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FAQ’s
Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs. Adjust the cooking time as chicken breasts may cook faster than thighs.
What can I substitute for cannellini beans?
If you prefer, you can use butter beans, chickpeas, or any other canned beans of your choice.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and assemble them in the casserole dish. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. Adjust the baking time accordingly if starting from chilled.
Is it necessary to peel the potatoes?
Peeling the potatoes is recommended for this recipe. However, if you prefer, you can leave the skins on for a more rustic dish.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes, you can adjust the spice level by adding more green chillies or using a spicier variety. Alternatively, you can include a pinch of red pepper flakes or paprika for heat.
What can I serve with this one-pot-wonder chicken?
This dish pairs well with fresh salad greens, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.
Can I freeze leftovers of this dish?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating thoroughly.
What size casserole dish should I use?
Use a large casserole dish that comfortably fits all the ingredients in layers. Ensure it has a lid or can be covered tightly with foil during baking.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh basil?
Yes, you can use dried basil, but use it sparingly as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavour compared to fresh herbs.
Can I omit the bacon to make it vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the bacon to make a vegetarian version of this dish. Alternatively, you can replace it with vegetarian bacon or omit it altogether for a lighter option.
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