Batch-cook chicken
It’s January and I’m on it. ON IT. I can’t bring myself to say ‘new year, new me’ as that’s a slippery slope to posting inspirational quotes about prosecoo and sparkles on Facebook but it’s basically that…yet in my own scatty kinda way. I’m food prepping because last year was so manic that I need some level or organisation and this has been a game changer.
If you also fancy being a tad more organised this year, here’s one way to start – make yourself a tub of this spiced batch-cook chicken. Go to work feeling super smug with your tender, flavour-packed chicken instead of your usual Greggs bean and cheese pasty. I mean I’m not knocking Greggs, many a time have I been coated in a flaky, golden sausage roll but sometimes a break is needed. Especially as all the lovely staff at my local joint know me by name.
Lunch inspo
What’s go good about this simple recipe is that it can be used to build up a variety of super tasty lunches. Here’s my favourite ways to utilise this delicious spiced chicken…
Roasted baby potato salad
Moroccan cous cous, pomegranate, apricot and feta
Fajita style with peppers, onions, tomatoes and some guac (ideally serve hot!)
Basil, mozzarella and tomato cold pasta salad
Soy and sesame noodles with garlic (ideally serve hot!)
If you don’t wanna stop at lunches, why not try my decadent (yet deceptively healthy) chocolate orange overnight oats or my chai coconut and chocolate version.
Ingredients
- 6-8 chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp of smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic granules
- 1 tbsp oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp fennel seeds
- Pinch of ground ginger
- Plenty of salt and pepper
- Zest and juice of a lemon
- 2-3 tbsp olive oil
Method
- To start, you'll need to butterfly your chicken breasts. Try to keep them to an even thickness so that they'll cook evenly. You don't want any overdone/underdone bits.
- In a bowl, mix the smoked paprika, garlic granules, oregano, dried thyme, fennel seeds, ground ginger, salt, pepper, olive oil and lemon zest and juice.
- Pre-heat your oven to 180c.
- Massage your chicken breasts in your mix and let them marinate to ensure all that saucy goodness soaks in. You can cook straightaway or leave to marinate for longer (if leaving, you can switch your oven off til ready).
- Next, heat a griddle and cook for three minutes on either side.
- Then, place your chicken in the oven for 5-10 mins, until cooked with no pink bits! Then your breasts are ready to be diced, sliced and served up.
- Spice up your lunches and add the chicken to salads, pasta, noodles, sandwiches or whatever else you fancy! Then feel really good about yourself for actually bringing in a homemade lunch.