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Delia Smith's Chicken Basque Recipe

Delia Smith's Chicken Basque Recipe

Recipes Walay
Delia Smith's Chicken Basque Recipe is a warm, hearty, and comforting dish full of rich flavour. This Delia Smith's Chicken Basque Recipe brings together tender chicken, sweet peppers, and rich tomatoes in a rustic style.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Basque
Servings 4
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 chicken thighs bone-in, skin-on
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion sliced
  • 2 red bell peppers sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves crushed
  • 400 g canned chopped tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes optional
  • 100 ml chicken stock
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken

  • Start by drying the chicken thighs using a paper towel. Season them with salt, black pepper, and paprika. This helps build strong flavour. Heat olive oil in a large pan until slightly hot and ready for cooking.

Brown the Chicken

  • Place chicken skin-side down in the pan. Cook until golden and crispy on both sides. This step locks in juices and adds deep flavour. Remove the chicken and keep it aside while preparing vegetables.

Cook the Vegetables

  • Add onions, garlic, and peppers into the same pan. Cook them slowly until soft and slightly golden. Stir often to avoid burning. This step builds sweetness and forms the base of the sauce.

Add Tomatoes and Spices

  • Add chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, thyme, and chili flakes. Stir everything well so flavours mix evenly. Pour in chicken stock and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Let it cook slowly for better taste.

Return the Chicken

  • Place the browned chicken back into the pan. Nestle it into the sauce so it absorbs all flavours. Cover the pan and cook on low heat for around 30 minutes until chicken becomes tender.

Final Simmer and Finish

  • Check if chicken is fully cooked and soft. Let the sauce thicken slightly if needed by cooking uncovered. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving hot for the best flavour and presentation.

Notes

  • Always brown chicken properly for deeper flavour
  • Use fresh peppers for natural sweetness
  • Add white wine for richer taste
  • Cook slowly for tender chicken
  • Add olives for a salty twist
  • Use boneless chicken for quicker cooking
  • Add carrots for extra sweetness
Keyword Delia Smith's Chicken Basque Recipe