Mediterranean Herb Baked Chicken and Knorr Flavour Pots

I recently received a lovely hamper from the people at Knorr, in honor of their new Flavour Pots.  Oh what a lovely hamper it was . . .



There was a lovely variety of fresh ingredients . . .  kale, peppers, okra, a pineapple, fennel, a coconut, radishes . . .



Chickpeas, anchovies, chocolate . . .



And of course several packs of their new flavour pots.  Developed by Knorr, the creators of Stock Pots, the new range of flavour pots are set to revolutionize the way we use herbs and spices.  They come in five unique varieties, each infused with all of the fantastic flavours of fresh herbs, but with the convenience of dried.  Knorr Chef, Cameron Healy as captured these fresh flavours by working them into a paste and then adding a drop of oil to retain their natural aroma, colour and flavours.

The Green pack is Mixed Herbs -  With its combination of thyme, oregano, rosemary and basil, this versatile pot is a store cupboard essential and will ensure your herby flavours are perfectly balanced.  Use to complement your cottage pie and perfect your pasta.

The Pink Pack is Garlic - Packing a punch, this pot will deliver perfect results every time and enhance an array of dishes from spaghetti carbonara to stuffed chicken.  Simply stir in and savour the flavour.

The Red Pack is Mixed Chillies -  This pot is crammed with vibrant chillies that will liven up your meals and  leave your taste-buds tingling with a hint of heat.  You can use this pot to add a subtle kick to your stir fries and pasta sauces.

The Yellow Pot is Curry - This complex combination of 13 traditional spices including cumin, cardamom and cloves will definitely add a special something to your curry.  Use when you want to impress, for a Korma that never tasted so good.

The Purple Pot is 3 Peppercorn -  This mix of 3 peppercorns will add a depth of flavour to your dishes.  Whether used in a straightforward steak sauce, or a luxury pork stroganoff, this little pot will instantly add a touch of indulgence to your meal.

There are a multitude of delicious recipes that you can create using each Knorr Flavour Pot, from aromatic Indian curries and rich Italian pasta dishes to zingy Chinese stir fries and sumptuous French sauces.  For more recipe inspiration and ideas visit www.knorr.co.uk.  

Flavour Pots are available at Asda, Tesco, Morrison's, Waitrose and Sainsbury's with an RRPof £1.59



With the flavour pots I created a fabulously delicious chicken dish, filled to the brim with fresh  Mediterranean flavours . . .  I used one each of the garlic and the 3 peppercorn pots . . .  combining them with a variety of dried spices and fresh herbs and a tin of tomatoes  . . .



Dried turmeric, cumin and sweet paprika  . . .  pickled caper berries, sliced green olives . . .  chopped coriander and flat leaf parsley . . . lemon zest and lemon juice . . .



I used chicken thighs because their succulence makes them perfect for oven braising in just such a gorgeous and rich sauce such as this.  It was also so very simple to execute.  You just mix everything in a shallow casserole dish, rolling the chicken around in it . . . and then place it into the refrigerator to marinate for anywhere from a couple of hours to 8 hours, which makes it the perfect dinner party dish as you can throw it together early in the day, ready to bang into the oven later on.



The flavour pots were the perfect addition and added a beautiful depth of richness to the dish . . . with the subtle hint of 3 peppercorns and lots of sweet garlic . . .  it smelled fabulous when it was baking.  The end result was beautifully tender pieces of chicken in a fabulous sauce, which was herby, and spicy  . . .  with a piquancy from the capers and green olives . . . and to be honest just wonderful spooned over the rice I cooked to go along with it, and the leftovers were even more delicious warmed up the day after!   You will want to serve some crusty bread along side so that you can mop up all of that fabulous sauce!

 

*Mediterranean Herb Baked Chicken*

Serves 4

Printable Recipe

Deliciously exotic and spicy.  The chicken does need to marinate for several hours, so make sure you leave time for that.  Rice or couscous are nice with this.  It is a nice dinner party dish as you can throw all of the ingredients together early in the day and leave it to marinate, and begin cooking it about an hour prior to your wanting to eat.

1 large handful of chopped fresh flat leaf parsley (about 1/2 cup)

about half as much again of chopped fresh coriander (about 1/4 cup)

1 Knorr Garlic Flavour Pot

1 Knorr 3 peppercorn Flavour Pot

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp ground turmeric

1 tsp sweet paprika

3 pounds of skinless chicken thighs or chicken pieces

1 400g tin of chopped plum tomatoes in juice (14 1/2 ounces)

120ml of chicken broth (1/2 cup)

90g chopped green olives (1/2 cup)

1 TBS capers, rinsed

1 TBS finely grated lemon zest

2 tsp fresh lemon juice

salt to taste

Chopped coriander to garnish (optional)

Combine all of the ingredients in a baking dish.  Roll the chicken in this, and arrange it in an even single layer.  Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 8 hours, turning the pieces occasionally.  When you are ready to cook it, remove it from the refrigerator about half an hour before you wish to begin.

Preheat the oven to 200*C/400*F/ gas mark 6.   Place the tightly covered baking dish in the oven.   Bake for 40 minutes.  Remove the foil and return to the oven and bake for a further 20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and tender and the juices run clear.

Serve the chicken hot along with some of the cooking juices spooned over top.   Sprinkle some coriander on for a garnish.  Serve with hot rice or couscous.  

Many thanks to Knorr for sending me this lovely hamper.  I have only just begun to touch on the wonderful adaptability of these gorgeous little pots of deliciousness!