Mary Berry Italian Chicken Recipe [Tips & Tricks]

If you’re looking to bring a touch of Italian flavor to your dinner table, Mary Berry’s Italian Chicken recipe is an absolute must-try!

With its perfect blend of herbs, succulent chicken, and rich tomato sauce, this dish offers a delightful combination of comfort and sophistication. Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering or a cozy weeknight meal, it’s easy to prepare and delivers bold, delicious flavors that will impress everyone. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked on Mary Berry’s unbeatable approach to Italian cooking!

Mary Berry Italian Chicken Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To prepare Mary Berry’s Italian Chicken, you’ll want to gather the freshest, most flavorful ingredients that will infuse the dish with rich tastes. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

1. Chicken Breasts (4 boneless, skinless): The chicken is the centerpiece of this dish, providing a tender and juicy protein that will absorb all the beautiful flavors from the sauce.

2. Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): A staple in Italian cuisine, olive oil not only adds depth and richness to the dish but also helps in sautéing the chicken to a perfect golden brown.

3. Garlic Cloves (2, minced): Garlic is the aromatic base of many Italian dishes, and in this recipe, it will enhance the overall flavor, giving it a fragrant, savory kick.

4. Red Onion (1, sliced): The sweetness of the red onion contrasts nicely with the tang of the tomatoes and the richness of the chicken, providing a balanced flavor.

5. Canned Tomatoes (400g can, chopped): A key ingredient for creating the sauce, the canned tomatoes will form the foundation of the Italian-inspired sauce. Their acidity will meld beautifully with the olive oil and garlic.

6. Tomato Puree (1 tablespoon): Adding a deeper, concentrated tomato flavor, tomato puree helps thicken the sauce and intensifies the overall richness.

7. Dried Italian Herbs (1 teaspoon each of basil, oregano, and thyme): The dried herbs bring that quintessential Italian flavor, adding depth and warmth to the sauce. These herbs complement the tomatoes and chicken perfectly.

8. Fresh Basil Leaves (a handful, roughly chopped): Fresh basil is essential in bringing an aromatic, fragrant burst of freshness to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

9. Mozzarella Cheese (100g, sliced or shredded): For the ultimate Italian touch, mozzarella cheese melts beautifully over the chicken, creating a rich, gooey layer that adds both texture and flavor.

10. Salt and Pepper (to taste): Simple seasonings that will elevate the dish, bringing out the best in the chicken and the sauce.

11. Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese (optional, for garnish): To finish the dish, a sprinkle of Parmesan adds a salty, nutty note that will complement the mozzarella and provide a finishing touch that truly elevates the entire meal.

Equipment Needed

The equipment required for making Mary Berry’s Italian Chicken is quite simple, and most of the items are commonly found in any well-equipped kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

1. Large Frying Pan: A wide, heavy-bottomed pan will help you cook the chicken evenly, ensuring a golden, crispy exterior while keeping the interior juicy. Ideally, the pan should be large enough to hold all the chicken breasts without overcrowding.

2. Wooden Spoon or Spatula: You’ll use this to stir the ingredients, helping you mix the tomato sauce, sauté the garlic, and flip the chicken breasts. A wooden spoon prevents scratching on your cookware and ensures that the flavors meld together without any harsh scraping.

3. Sharp Knife: A sharp knife will make chopping the garlic, onions, and basil easier. Precision when slicing the chicken breasts also ensures even cooking.

4. Chopping Board: A sturdy chopping board is essential for safely slicing and dicing the ingredients without making a mess or risking injury.

5. Lid for the Frying Pan: While the chicken cooks, you’ll want a lid to cover the pan. This helps retain moisture and allows the chicken to cook through evenly. It also helps the mozzarella melt on top when you cover the dish near the end.

6. Grater: If you are grating your own Parmesan, you’ll need a fine grater. Freshly grated Parmesan always adds more flavor than pre-grated varieties.

7. Serving Plates: For plating the dish, you’ll need serving plates where you can lay the chicken, spoon over the tomato sauce, and finish with the melted cheese and basil.

How To Make Mary Berry’s Italian Chicken

Making Mary Berry’s Italian Chicken is a relatively simple process, but the results are spectacular. Follow these steps, and you’ll be rewarded with a flavorful, Italian-inspired dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or even entertaining guests.

Step 1: Sauté The Chicken

Start by heating the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the pan.

Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and cooked through. You want them to have a nice crispy crust. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.

Step 2: Prepare The Tomato Sauce

In the same pan, add a little more oil if necessary. Toss in the minced garlic and sliced red onions, and sauté them for 2-3 minutes until they soften and become fragrant.

Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter. Next, add the canned tomatoes, tomato puree, and dried herbs. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.

Step 3: Combine The Chicken And Sauce

Once the sauce has thickened, return the chicken breasts to the pan. Spoon some of the sauce over each piece of chicken, and let them simmer for another 5 minutes. During this time, the chicken will absorb more of the sauce’s flavors.

Step 4: Add The Mozzarella And Finish Cooking

Place a slice of mozzarella on top of each chicken breast. Cover the pan with a lid and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the mozzarella has melted and become beautifully gooey.

Step 5: Garnish And Serve

Remove the chicken from the pan and place it on serving plates. Spoon more of the tomato sauce over the chicken, then sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top.

Optionally, finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for extra flavor. Serve immediately, paired with a side of pasta, crusty bread, or a simple salad.

Expert Tips

1. Perfecting the Chicken: To ensure your chicken breasts stay moist, you can lightly pound them before cooking to an even thickness. This ensures they cook evenly and don’t dry out.

2. Make It Ahead: This dish can be prepped in advance. You can cook the chicken and tomato sauce ahead of time and refrigerate them. When ready to serve, simply reheat and add the mozzarella to melt.

3. Enhance the Sauce: For an extra burst of flavor, add a splash of red wine to the tomato sauce while it’s simmering. It deepens the flavor and adds complexity.

4. Mozzarella Choices: If possible, use fresh mozzarella for the best results. It has a creamier texture and melts beautifully over the chicken.

5. Vegetarian Twist: For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with thick slices of eggplant or portobello mushrooms. These alternatives soak up the sauce beautifully and provide a hearty texture.

6. Additional Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary can be added to the sauce for even more aromatic depth. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the seasoning to make the dish your own.

Mary Berry’s Italian Chicken is a fantastic, flavorful dish that brings the taste of Italy into your kitchen. With tender, juicy chicken smothered in a rich, aromatic tomato sauce and topped with gooey mozzarella, this meal is perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends for a dinner party, this dish will impress with its simplicity and depth of flavor. By following the tips and using quality ingredients, you’ll create a dish that’s full of Mediterranean charm.

So, gather your ingredients, heat up that pan, and enjoy this delicious, comforting meal. Buon appetito!.

Easy Recipe Variations For Mary Berry’s Italian Chicken

Mary Berry’s Italian Chicken recipe is a wonderfully versatile dish that can be easily adapted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are a few creative variations that you can try to keep things exciting while still enjoying the core flavors of this classic recipe.

1. Vegetarian Twist: Italian Veggie Chicken

For a vegetarian version of this dish, replace the chicken with hearty, meaty vegetables like portobello mushrooms or cauliflower steaks. These options absorb the delicious Italian sauce wonderfully, while maintaining a satisfying texture that mirrors the original recipe’s richness. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the vegetable you choose, as mushrooms cook quicker than cauliflower.

2. Creamy Italian Chicken

If you’re craving something a bit richer, you can introduce creaminess to the sauce by adding heavy cream or crème fraîche. This creates a luscious, velvety texture that pairs perfectly with the herby flavors.

You can even add a handful of grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce to boost the flavor profile. This variation is great if you want to make the dish a bit more indulgent.

3. Spicy Italian Chicken

For those who love a little heat, try adding red pepper flakes or a finely chopped fresh chili pepper to the sauce. This will infuse the dish with a spicy kick that balances beautifully with the savory, herb-laden sauce. If you prefer an even spicier version, you could use a spicy Italian sausage alongside the chicken to add a bold flavor dimension.

4. Italian Chicken With Roasted Vegetables

To make the dish even more wholesome, add a variety of roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes to the baking tray alongside the chicken. These vegetables will soak up the flavorful juices from the chicken and Italian seasonings, resulting in a deliciously hearty one-pan meal. This is a great way to introduce more nutrients and flavors to the dish without much extra effort.

5. Italian Chicken With Pesto

For a burst of fresh, herby flavor, consider drizzling some homemade or store-bought pesto over the chicken right before serving. The basil and garlic in pesto bring a wonderful depth to the dish, and the vibrant green color will make it visually stunning. You could even mix pesto into the sauce for an extra layer of richness.

These easy variations offer endless possibilities to tailor the dish to your tastes, ensuring that it’s never the same meal twice. Whether you’re looking for something lighter, richer, spicier, or veggie-forward, there’s always a fun twist you can add to Mary Berry’s Italian Chicken.

Best Practices To Store Leftovers

Storing leftovers from your Italian chicken dish properly ensures that the flavors stay intact and that the food remains safe to eat. Here are some best practices to follow:

1. Cool Quickly

Once your meal has cooled to room temperature (ideally within 2 hours of cooking), store it in airtight containers. To speed up the cooling process, you can divide the chicken and sauce into smaller portions, which will cool more evenly and quickly. This helps minimize the risk of bacteria growth and keeps your food fresh.

2. Refrigeration

For short-term storage, place your leftovers in the refrigerator. Italian chicken can last up to 3-4 days in the fridge when stored properly in an airtight container.

Be sure to keep the chicken and sauce together so that the chicken doesn’t dry out. If you plan to reheat the meal, you can add a splash of broth or water to the sauce to keep it moist.

3. Freezing

If you don’t think you’ll eat your leftovers within a few days, freezing is a great option. Italian chicken freezes well, but make sure to store it in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.

Before freezing, remove the chicken from the sauce and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place it in a bag or container. This helps to prevent freezer burn and preserve the texture of both the chicken and sauce.

You can freeze the sauce separately if needed. Be sure to label the containers with the date so you know when it was stored. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

4. Reheating Tips

Reheat your Italian chicken gently to avoid overcooking or drying it out. You can do this on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of water or broth to maintain moisture.

Alternatively, you can microwave it, but be sure to cover it with a damp paper towel to lock in moisture. Reheating in the oven is also an option-cover the dish with foil to prevent the chicken from drying out, and reheat it at a low temperature until warmed through.

5. Avoid Multiple Reheats

It’s best to only reheat leftovers once. Repeated reheating can cause the chicken to become tough and the sauce to lose its flavor. If you’re unsure about portion sizes, it’s better to reheat in smaller quantities so that the rest stays fresh in storage.

By following these best practices, you can enjoy your Italian chicken leftovers just as much as the original meal without sacrificing taste or safety.

What Goes Well With Italian Chicken

Italian chicken, with its savory sauce, herby flavors, and tender meat, pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides that complement and enhance its profile. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Bread Or Ciabatta

No Italian meal is complete without some crusty bread to mop up that rich sauce. A warm loaf of garlic bread or soft, chewy ciabatta is a perfect pairing for Italian chicken. The bread absorbs the flavorful juices and adds a comforting texture, making the meal even more satisfying.

2. Pasta

For a more substantial meal, serve Italian chicken alongside a classic pasta, such as spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine. The pasta can be served with a bit of extra sauce from the chicken, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan over the top for added richness.

3. Steamed Vegetables

A light, healthy side of steamed vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, or asparagus is an excellent choice. These vegetables offer a crisp contrast to the tender chicken and will balance out the richness of the sauce. Their freshness and texture bring a refreshing element to the meal.

4. Roasted Potatoes

Golden, crispy roasted potatoes are another great accompaniment. The earthy flavor and crispy exterior of the potatoes are the perfect contrast to the juicy chicken and its tangy, savory sauce. You can roast the potatoes with garlic and rosemary for extra Italian flair.

5. Salads

A fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette adds a nice lightness to the meal. Try a classic Italian salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and balsamic vinegar. The acidity from the vinegar will help cut through the richness of the chicken and add a refreshing element to the dish.

6. Sautéed Spinach Or Kale

For a nutritious and flavorful side, sautéed spinach or kale with garlic and olive oil pairs beautifully with Italian chicken. The slight bitterness of the greens complements the savory sauce, making for a balanced and wholesome meal.

These sides not only elevate the Italian chicken but also provide a variety of textures and flavors that will keep your meal exciting and satisfying.

Conclusion

Mary Berry’s Italian Chicken is a dish that combines comfort and elegance with its rich flavors and hearty textures. Whether you enjoy it in its classic form or opt for one of the delicious variations, it’s a versatile recipe that never fails to impress.

By following best practices for storing leftovers and selecting the perfect sides, you can extend the joy of this meal throughout the week. Whether for a family dinner, a special occasion, or meal prepping for the days ahead, Italian chicken is a surefire way to bring a taste of Italy to your table, leaving you with satisfying meals and a warm, happy heart.

FAQs

What Ingredients Are Needed For Mary Berry’s Italian Chicken Recipe?

The ingredients for Mary Berry’s Italian Chicken include chicken breasts or thighs, olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, onion, fresh basil, dried oregano, balsamic vinegar, and Parmesan cheese. You may also need some salt, pepper, and a bit of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead Of Chicken Breasts For This Recipe?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful, making them an excellent choice for this dish. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

Is Mary Berry’s Italian Chicken Recipe Suitable For A Gluten-free Diet?

Yes, the recipe can be made gluten-free. Simply ensure that the balsamic vinegar and any other ingredients you use are certified gluten-free. The dish doesn’t require flour or breadcrumbs, so it’s naturally gluten-free if the proper substitutions are made.

How Long Does It Take To Prepare And Cook Mary Berry’s Italian Chicken?

The preparation time for Mary Berry’s Italian Chicken is around 10-15 minutes, and the cooking time is about 30-35 minutes. Overall, the dish can be ready in around 45 minutes to an hour.

Can I Prepare Mary Berry’s Italian Chicken In Advance?

Yes, you can prepare Mary Berry’s Italian Chicken in advance. You can marinate the chicken in the sauce for a few hours or overnight to enhance the flavors. After cooking, the dish can also be stored in the refrigerator and reheated the next day.

What Side Dishes Pair Well With Mary Berry’s Italian Chicken?

Mary Berry’s Italian Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Some great options include garlic bread, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad with balsamic vinaigrette. You could also serve it with pasta or a simple risotto for an Italian-inspired meal.

How Can I Make The Sauce Thicker For Mary Berry’s Italian Chicken?

To thicken the sauce, you can either cook it for a little longer to reduce it, or add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water. Another option is to blend a portion of the sauce and return it to the pan for a creamier texture.

Can I Use Canned Tomatoes Instead Of Fresh Tomatoes In Mary Berry’s Italian Chicken Recipe?

Yes, you can use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones, especially when fresh tomatoes aren’t in season. Choose a high-quality canned variety such as San Marzano tomatoes for the best flavor. Just make sure to drain them well before adding to the dish.

Is It Necessary To Use Fresh Basil In Mary Berry’s Italian Chicken Recipe?

While fresh basil provides the best flavor, you can use dried basil as a substitute. If you prefer, you can also use a mix of fresh herbs like oregano and thyme to add depth of flavor to the dish.

Can I Make Mary Berry’s Italian Chicken Recipe Without Balsamic Vinegar?

If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, you can use red wine vinegar or white wine vinegar as alternatives. The balsamic vinegar gives the dish a distinct sweet and tangy flavor, but the alternative vinegars will still work well and provide some acidity to balance the sauce.