Pesto chicken one-pot dish . . . delicious!

Chicken has many plus points; its versatility, as well as the ease and speed with which it can be cooked make it one of the most popular meats around. It has a high level of good quality protein, as well as B vitamins, iron, copper and selenium.

The pale flesh has a close texture and a mild flavour that pairs up well with many different ingredients. Never eat raw chicken, and always thoroughly wash your hands, utensils and cutting board as soon as you've cut or handled raw chicken.

The recipe I share today will surely banish the bad weather blues many of us are experiencing. This colourful pesto chicken one-pot makes a great Sunday lunch idea and includes lots of fresh greens. Continue reading and see what you think!

Ingredients
Serves Four
8 bone-in chicken thighs
1 tbsp olive oil
2 lemons, 1 zested and juiced, 1 cut into wedges to serve
2 onions, cut into thin wedges
2 garlic cloves, finely sliced
3 anchovy fillets, chopped
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 chicken stock cube, made up to 450ml
150g frozen peas
200g Tenderstem broccoli, chopped
2 tbsp green pesto
10g fresh basil or parsley, leaves picked
crusty bread, to serve (optional)

Method

1. Heat a large flameproof casserole dish over a medium heat. Toss the chicken in the oil and lemon zest; season. Browned for 6-7 mins, skin-side down, until golden and crisp. Turn and brown for a final 4 mins; you might need to do this in batches. Transfer to a plate using a slotted spoon; set aside.
2. Add the onions, garlic and anchovies to the dish and fry for 5 mins until golden. Stir in the mustard, stock and the lemon juice. Bring to the boil and return the chicken, skin-side up. Cover, reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 20 mins. Uncover and cook for a further 25 mins or until the chicken is cooked through.
3. Add the peas and broccoli. Cover and cook for a further 8 mins, or until the veg is just tender.
4. Spoon over the pesto, then top with the basil or parsley leaves and lemon wedges. Serve with warm crusty bread, if you like.

Each Serving Contains

Carbohydrate 12.5g Protein 50.7g Fat 31g Fibre 5.5g
From idea seen here

What is Tenderstem broccoli?
Tenderstem broccoli is the (perfectly natural) love child of Chinese kale and broccoli, star-crossed lovers of the vegetable world.
What does Tenderstem broccoli taste like?
A bit like broccoli but way better - it has a sweet, nutty flavour, similar to asparagus, all wrapped up in a gorgeous crunch.
What is the nutritional value of Tenderstem broccoli?
Tenderstem broccoli has many nutritional benefits. It's high in folates, plus it's a good source of fibre and protein.
Does it have different names?
Yes, Bimi, broccolini, (and Tenderstem) are trademarked names for the hybrid of Chinese Kale and broccoli.

if you prefer to have a vegetarian dish you may like to see these recipe suggestions here

This blog brings a variety of recipe ideas, and it is important to note, not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.

All the best Jan