Mary Berry has long been celebrated for her approachable and delicious recipes, especially those that simplify home cooking without compromising on flavour. Among her standout dishes are her one-pan meals, which have become a favourite for busy cooks looking for convenience and wholesome nutrition.
Her latest creation is an all-in-one spatchcock chicken with Mediterranean-style vegetables, designed to be prepared in a single casserole or deep saucepan. Spatchcocking involves removing the backbone of the chicken, which helps it to cook more evenly and makes carving easier. This dish comfortably serves four to six people, making it an excellent choice for family dinners.
To prepare, start by preheating your oven to 200°C (180°C Fan). Heat oil in a deep, lidded casserole dish over high heat and sauté chopped onion, fennel, and pepper for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds before pouring in white wine, allowing it to reduce by half.
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Stir in chopped tomatoes, sun-dried tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce, seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Meanwhile, prepare the chicken by laying it breast-side down on a chopping board. Using scissors, remove the backbone by cutting along either side, then flip the bird over and press down firmly on the breastbone to flatten it. This technique creates the spatchcock chicken. Top it with lemon slices and bay leaves.
Place the flattened chicken breast-side up on top of the vegetables in the casserole dish. Season generously with salt and pepper, bring the mixture to a boil on the stovetop, then cover with a lid and transfer to the oven. Cook for approximately 35 minutes.
After 35 minutes, remove the lid. Sprinkle paprika over the chicken and drizzle honey on top to enhance its golden, caramelized finish. Return the dish to the oven without the lid and cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and juices run clear with no pink remaining.
Serve by spooning the Mediterranean vegetables onto a warmed platter and placing the carved chicken on top. This satisfying, nutrient-rich dish is a warm and hearty meal that is both easy to make and sure to impress family and friends.