mediterranean chicken tray bake

I have been meaning to blog about this recipe for such a long time now. It's a favourite of mine (and his) and it is so easy and just too darn delicious. 

For a feast for two, or three little ones, you will need:

3 chicken breasts (6 chicken wings if you prefer)
1 red onion
2 cloves garlic

2 vines of tomatoes 
Chopped pancetta 
Fresh basil
Salt 'n' pepper 

Baby new potatoes 
Fresh rosemary 

All you need is two trays/baking dishes so it limits the washing up- hurray! First, slice your red onion and crush the garlic. Pour a glug of olive oil over the top. 

 

Next, chop your chicken breasts into smaller pieces and nestle in amongst the onion and garlic and lay your vine tomatoes over the top. Season to taste. Liberally tear up you fresh basil (I couldn't find any fresh herbs this weekend so had to use dried instead- works just as well). 

   

  

Leave this to the side whilst you prepare your potatoes. 

Quantity really depends on how hungry your mouths may be. He was coming from the gym, so I assumed very hungry. Slice them in quarters or keep them whole if they're eering on the minute size. Season with salt and pepper and fresh rosemary and pour a glug of olive oil over the top too. 

                  

  

Give them a shake and pop them in a pre-heated oven at 180* for 45 minutes. Put the chicken in at the same time too. 

After 30 minutes, take the chicken out and chuck some chopped pancetta over the dish. Put back in the oven for a further 15 minutes. Give the potatoes a shake if needs be. 

In the mean time, pour yourself a glass of wine, play cards, watch "The Real Housewives of Cheshire" (it's a fav- thoroughly recommended)- whatever. I told you this was an easy dish! 

  

(I didn't add pancetta this time but I reallllllly recommend it)

  

 

  

  

Perfect and crispy! 

 

(Can you see my amaryllis? It's slowing shooting up and I'm fairly confident it's only going to get bigger and better over the next few weeks).

This recipe is super easy and versatile. I like to mix it up with paprika and chorizo for a Spanish take or with asparagus and Parma ham for something fresh. Whether you're cooking for an evening in together, a meal for one in front of the television or a whole family of hungry mouths, I couldn't recommend it enough. 

Tuck in! 

L.