A simple chicken and potatoes recipe is adored by many, with celeb chef Rick Stein adding a zesty twist that’s perfect for quick weekday weekend meals.
He whisks up a tangy garlic and lemon sauce to coat crispy-skinned chicken, tender veggies, and golden-roasted spuds in an effortless traybake.
In just under 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this delectable dish ready for the oven, where it will bake to perfection in 35 to 40 minutes ideal for those looking to cook a quick and impressive meal.
His book Simple Suppers spills the beans on how he got inspired to whip up his own rendition of this meal, tipping his chef’s hat to Lulu Bonneville, actor Hugh Bonneville’s spouse.
Describing the recipe, Rick claimed that it’s one that he loves as it’s “magic and delicious”.
Ingredients
Four tablespoons olive oil
12 chicken thighs, skin on and bone in
Juice of one to two lemons
Five garlic cloves, chopped
Small bunch of thyme, leaves stripped from stalks
Three courgettes, cut into thick slices on the diagonal
Two fennel bulbs, trimmed and sliced
Eight new potatoes, scrubbed and cut into thick slices
Sea salt and black pepper
Method
Start things off by heating your oven to a roasting 220C/ 200C Fan before getting on with the prep work.
Get the garlic cloves diced, then slice and dice the courgettes, fennel bulbs, and potatoes into hearty chunks.
Conjure up a concoction of lemon juice, minced garlic, thyme, and olive oil in a bowl until it’s nicely blended.
Drizzle just enough oil into a pan and crank it up to a medium-high flame. Sear those chicken thighs in groups until each piece boasts a beautifully bronzed exterior.
Lay out the potato, courgette and fennel slices in a large roasting tin, drizzle over two-thirds of the garlic lemon concoction, season with salt and pepper, then give the veggies a good toss until they’re all coated.
Next, place the chicken thighs on top, skin side up, and pour over the remaining lemon garlic mixture, followed by another seasoning of salt and pepper.
Pop it in the oven for 35 to 40 minutes until the chicken is crispy and golden and the vegetables underneath are tender.
There you have it your speedy yet scrumptious chicken traybake is now ready to be served.
