Chicken fillets are so versatile and an absolute doddle to cook. I've whipped up a herby-baked chicken recipe which is full of flavour, accompanied with inventive spicy sides. I can guarantee your kids will love it.
This recipe does require a marinade, and if you've got the time it really is worth leaving the meat to infuse with all the flavours, if not don't worry, you'll still enjoy tender and flavoursome chicken.
Preparation Time: Overnight
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Makes: 5 kid servings/2 kids 2 adults
Ingredients
1 large sweet potato
3 potatoes
Tsp mixed spice
Tsp ground cumin
3 Tbslp butter
3 large frozen chicken breast fillets
Handful of spring greens
1 large onion
3 garlic cloves
3 fresh thyme sprigs
1 rosemary sprig
Half tsp black pepper
Glug of olive oil
25g grated cheese
3 Tblsp milk
100g pearl barley
1 stock cube

Required ingredients
Method
Chop the garlic and onion.
Place the seasoning in a large pyrex dish along with the oil.
Add the chicken fillets and coat in the marinade.
If your chicken isn't frozen then great - cook it straight away. If not, it works better when coated in the marinade and defrosted in the fridge overnight.
Place the chicken in the oven, with the lid on, for 40 minutes at 160 degrees/gas mark 3.
Wash the barley thoroughly and place in a saucepan of boiling water for 20 minutes with the stock cube.
Peel all of the potatoes.
Place the potatoes in a large saucepan of boiling water and place the torn spring greens in a sieve on top for 10 minutes.
The greens should have wilted and become tender.
Transfer the greens to a bowl with some of the pepper and a knob of butter. Toss and set aside.
Add the cheese, butter, milk and pinch of nutmeg to the boiled potatoes
Mash together using a fork, or a 'masher' until light and fluffy.
Transfer the pearl barley from the pan into little ramekins and set aside.
Remove the chicken from the oven and add the frozen spinach. Place back in the oven for the final 20 minutes, turn the heat to 180 degrees/gas mark 5, and remove the lid.
Finally take the chicken out of the oven - the spinach should have wilted.
Serve alongside the sides - allow the kids to serve themselves, it's more fun that way.
Categories
#Chicken
#Dinner
#Lunch
#Family meal
#Baked
#Greens