Delicious Chicken and Leek Recipes by Mary Berry
Mary Berry, the British culinary icon, has created mouthwatering chicken and leek dishes. Her recipes blend classic flavours with expert cooking techniques. These dishes range from hearty casseroles to decadent gratins, all featuring succulent chicken.
Berry’s creations offer a taste of British comfort food at its finest. They’re perfect for family gatherings or satisfying weeknight meals. Her chicken and leek recipes are sure to delight and nourish everyone at the table.
Essential Ingredients for Mary Berry’s Chicken and Leek Dish
Mary Berry’s chicken and leek recipes rely on top-notch, fresh ingredients. Each element is crucial for a tasty, well-balanced dish. Succulent chicken breasts, aromatic leeks, and herbs create a flavourful meal.
Fresh Produce and Herbs
- 6 small, skinless and boneless chicken breasts
- 4 thin leeks, cut into 2cm slices
- 350g baby new potatoes
- Fresh thyme and parsley
Dairy and Seasoning Components
- 200ml full-fat crème fraîche
- 50g butter
- Salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon runny honey
Meat and Main Elements
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 50g flour
- 450ml apple juice
These key ingredients blend perfectly with Mary Berry’s expert cooking methods. The result is a comforting dish full of flavour. Tender chicken, fragrant leeks, and creamy dairy create a truly delightful meal.
Careful ingredient selection is vital for recreating Mary Berry’s chicken and leek recipes. This attention to detail ensures a delicious and satisfying dining experience. Home cooks can easily bring this magic to their own kitchens.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Mary Berry’s chicken and leek dish is a delightful one-pot meal. It’s easy to make and full of flavour. This recipe showcases her talent for creating comforting, tasty meals.
Start by boiling potatoes for 12 minutes. Then, add leeks and cook for 3 more minutes. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Brown it in a pan with oil and honey.
- Fry the onion and garlic in butter until softened.
- Stir in the flour to create a roux, then gradually add the apple juice and crème fraîche to make a creamy sauce.
- Combine the cooked vegetables with the sauce, then place the chicken pieces on top.
- Bake the dish in the oven at 200°C/Fan 180°C/Gas 6 for 25 minutes, covered, and then a further 10 minutes, uncovered, to ensure the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbling.
- Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a vibrant, flavourful touch.
This method creates a tasty chicken and leek dish. It’s perfect for a cosy family meal. The tender chicken and creamy sauce make it a real treat.
Nutritional Information | Per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 566 |
Carbohydrates | 52g |
Protein | 40g |
Fat | 20g |
Saturated Fat | 9g |
Cholesterol | 110mg |
Sodium | 734mg |
Potassium | 742mg |
Fiber | 2g |
Sugar | 7g |
Vitamin A | 800IU |
Vitamin C | 1.3mg |
Calcium | 294mg |
Iron | 1.6mg |
“This one-pot meal is a true testament to Mary Berry’s culinary expertise. The combination of tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a rich, creamy sauce makes it a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion.”
Mary Berry Chicken and Leek Recipes: Tips and Variations
Mary Berry’s chicken and leek recipes offer delightful flavours and versatile options. These insights can enhance your homemade chicken pie experience. Let’s explore some handy tips and tasty variations.
Make-Ahead and Storage Guidelines
Mary Berry’s chicken and leek recipes are perfect for meal prep. You can prepare the pie a day in advance. This allows the flavours to develop fully.
The filling freezes well for up to 2 months. However, it’s best to avoid freezing the potatoes. This helps maintain their texture when reheating.
Recipe Adaptations and Substitutions
Want to add your own twist? Try a touch of honey or maple syrup for subtle sweetness. Mix 35% cream with sour cream for extra creaminess.
For a spicy kick, add a dash of Cholula or cayenne. The recipe is easily adaptable for various dietary needs and preferences.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pie with fresh, crisp green vegetables for a satisfying meal. The creamy filling and flaky pastry create a comforting British dish.
“The combination of tender chicken, succulent leeks, and a rich, creamy sauce encased in buttery pastry is simply divine. It’s no wonder this dish is a true British classic.”
Special Cooking Techniques and Kitchen Equipment
Mary Berry’s Chicken Tikka Masala requires specific tools and methods. A buttered 2.3 litre ovenproof dish ensures even cooking. A large frying pan is crucial for browning chicken and making sauce.
The recipe combines stovetop and oven techniques. It uses simmering and roasting methods. This dish is ideal for AGA or similar range cookers.
The cooking process uses the Boiling Plate, Simmering Oven, and Roasting Oven. These elements help achieve the best flavour and texture.
Kitchen Equipment | Purpose |
---|---|
2.3 litre ovenproof dish | For baking the chicken tikka masala |
Large frying pan | For browning the chicken and preparing the sauce |
Boiling Plate | For initial cooking steps on the stovetop |
Simmering Oven | For gently simmering the sauce |
Roasting Oven | For baking the chicken tikka masala |
These tools and techniques are key to the recipe’s success. They ensure a rich, tasty dish every time you cook.
Conclusion
Mary Berry’s chicken and leek recipes are a testament to her culinary prowess. These dishes blend the best of British cooking with comforting flavours. They’re perfect for busy families, offering make-ahead and freezing options.
Berry’s expertise is evident in her choice of ingredients and cooking methods. The tender chicken and fragrant leeks create a delightful harmony of tastes. These recipes are suitable for both everyday meals and special occasions.
The simplicity of these dishes makes them ideal for home cooks. They capture the essence of British cuisine in a nourishing way. By mastering these recipes, you’ll bring Mary Berry’s expertise into your own kitchen.
FAQ
What are the key ingredients in Mary Berry’s chicken and leek recipes?
Mary Berry’s chicken and leek recipes feature skinless chicken breasts, leeks, and new potatoes. They also include fresh herbs, crème fraîche, butter, honey, and apple juice. Onion, garlic, and flour round out the ingredient list.
How do you prepare the chicken and leek dishes?
Start by boiling potatoes and leeks. Season and brown the chicken with honey. Fry onion and garlic in butter, then add flour and liquids for the sauce.
Combine vegetables with sauce and place chicken on top. Bake covered at 200˚C for 25 minutes, then uncovered for 10 minutes. Finish with fresh parsley.
What are the variations and serving suggestions for Mary Berry’s chicken and leek recipes?
Try using maple syrup instead of honey or mix cream with sour cream. Add Cholula or cayenne for extra spice. Serve with green vegetables for a complete meal.
The dish can be adapted for various dietary needs and preferences.
What special cooking techniques and kitchen equipment are required?
The recipe uses stovetop and oven cooking, including simmering and roasting. An AGA or similar range cooker is ideal, with Boiling Plate and Roasting Oven.
You’ll need a 2.3 litre ovenproof dish and a large frying pan.
How can the chicken and leek recipes be prepared in advance and stored?
You can prepare the dish up to a day ahead. It freezes well for up to 2 months if potatoes are omitted. This versatility makes it perfect for busy households.