Nigella Chicken Basque

Explore the vibrant flavors of Nigella Lawson's Chicken Basque, a dish that brings together the hearty elements of chicken, peppers, and chorizo in a symphony of taste. This recipe, although not directly tested by Nigella.com, promises a culinary journey through the Basque region with its mix of vegetables and spices that stew and marinate the chicken to perfection​​.

Ingredients for the Chicken Basque

• A whole chicken
• Garlic cloves: 4
• Large bell peppers (capsicum): 4, seeded, deveined, and butterflied
• Sweet onions: 2, sliced thinly
• Red wine (full-bodied): 150ml
• Butter: 4 tablespoons, at room temperature
• Fresh thyme: 4 teaspoons
• Bay leaves: 6
• Coarse sea salt, caster sugar, paprika, extra virgin olive oil
• Lemons, cut into wedges for serving

Preparation Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C.
2. Prepare your baking dish with a light coating of olive oil.
3. Arrange the butterflied peppers at the bottom, followed by the garlic, and then rub the chicken with butter and season with thyme, sea salt, and paprika.
4. Place the chicken on the peppers, cover with onions, and then add the wine, a sprinkle of sugar, and bay leaves.
5. Bake covered for an hour, then uncover, increase the temperature, and bake until the onions are caramelized.
6. Serve with lemon wedges and enjoy with crusty bread or potatoes.

For a dish with a hint of Spanish flair, Delia Online offers a version of Chicken Basque that incorporates chorizo, sun-dried tomatoes, and a touch of paprika, elevating the Mediterranean essence of this one-pot meal​​.

Ingredients from Delia Online's Take

• Chicken, jointed into pieces
• Brown basmati rice
• Chicken stock and dry white wine
• Orange wedges
• Fresh thyme and black olives
• Red peppers and onions
• Chorizo sausage and sun-dried tomatoes in oil
• Garlic, sun-dried tomato paste
• Seasonings: salt and freshly milled black pepper

Preparation Highlights

1. Brown the chicken pieces in olive oil and set aside.
2. Sauté onions and peppers, then add chorizo, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic.
3. Mix in rice, followed by tomato paste, paprika, thyme, stock, and wine.
4. Arrange the chicken on top, nestle in orange wedges, scatter olives, and cook until the rice is tender.

Storage and Reheating Tips Keep your Chicken Basque covered in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until thoroughly warmed through, ensuring the rice does not dry out.

Nutritional Information This dish is rich in proteins from the chicken and chorizo, vitamins from the bell peppers and onions, and good fats from the olive oil. For detailed nutritional values, consider the individual ingredients used.

FAQ about the Chicken Basque

• Can I substitute the chorizo? Yes, you can use any spicy sausage you prefer.
• Is it gluten-free? Yes, when using ingredients that are naturally gluten-free, this dish can be gluten-free.

Enjoy Nigella Lawson's Chicken Basque for a hearty meal that brings a taste of the Basque region into your home, combining the simplicity of preparation with the complexity of flavors that is sure to delight.

For more intricate details and step-by-step instructions, visit the original recipes on Nigella.com​​ and Delia Online​​.