Mary Berry’s Glazed Chicken with Cucumber Salsa is a vibrant and refreshing dish that perfectly combines the rich, savory flavors of roasted chicken with the cool, crisp zestiness of a cucumber salsa. Known for her approachable yet elegant cooking style, Mary Berry has created this dish to be a delightful summer meal that captures the essence of light, fresh ingredients while delivering satisfying depth of flavor. The dish is relatively easy to prepare, making it ideal for a family dinner or a special gathering.
The glazed chicken is beautifully roasted, glazed with a tangy and slightly sweet marinade that caramelizes to form a delicate, golden-brown crust. The cucumber salsa, on the other hand, provides a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken, with its crunchiness and hint of acidity from lemon juice or vinegar, and a splash of fresh herbs like mint or dill, bringing an aromatic lift to the dish. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a delightful, balanced meal that is both filling and light.
This dish is particularly appealing for those looking for a lighter, healthier alternative to heavier meat-based dishes, but still crave a meal that is full of flavor. It’s a celebration of fresh produce and simple yet expertly crafted techniques-qualities that have made Mary Berry a beloved figure in British home cooking.
Mary Berry’s Glazed Chicken With Cucumber Salsa Recipe
Ingredients Needed
To recreate Mary Berry’s Glazed Chicken with Cucumber Salsa, you’ll need a selection of fresh, pantry-friendly ingredients. Here’s a comprehensive list of everything you’ll need to make the dish:
For The Glazed Chicken
- Chicken thighs or breasts (skin-on or boneless, depending on preference): The skin-on thighs offer more flavor and moisture, making them a favorite for roasting.
- Olive oil: Used for brushing the chicken and aiding in the roasting process, contributing a light, fruity flavor.
- Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness that helps to create a beautiful golden glaze.
- Soy sauce: A savory component that brings saltiness and umami to the glaze.
- Dijon mustard: Gives the glaze a subtle sharpness and depth of flavor.
- Garlic (fresh, minced): Adds an aromatic, savory note to the glaze.
- Lemon zest and juice: Balances the sweetness of the honey with its citrusy freshness.
For The Cucumber Salsa
- Cucumber: A refreshing base for the salsa, finely diced for a nice, crunchy texture.
- Red onion: Finely chopped to provide a sweet and tangy bite.
- Fresh herbs: Typically mint and/or dill, finely chopped for a fragrant, green touch.
- Tomatoes (optional): Chopped for a little extra juiciness and flavor.
- Lemon juice: Enhances the freshness of the salsa, providing a zingy contrast to the rich chicken.
- Olive oil: A small drizzle for richness, helping to bind the ingredients together.
- Salt and pepper: To season the salsa to taste.
Equipment Needed
To prepare Mary Berry’s Glazed Chicken with Cucumber Salsa, the following kitchen equipment will make your cooking process smoother and more efficient:
- Roasting tin: A shallow dish to roast the chicken. It should be large enough to hold all the chicken pieces without overcrowding, allowing them to cook evenly.
- Pastry brush: For glazing the chicken with the honey-soy mixture before roasting.
- Sharp knife: For chopping and dicing the cucumber, onion, and any other vegetables or herbs for the salsa.
- Chopping board: To safely prepare all of your ingredients.
- Bowls: A large bowl for tossing the cucumber salsa ingredients together, and a small bowl for mixing the glaze.
- Oven: A conventional oven preheated to the right temperature for roasting the chicken.
- Spoons: For stirring the salsa and for serving.
- Tongs or a spatula: For turning the chicken while it roasts, ensuring an even, golden-brown crust.
Instructions To Make Mary Berry’s Glazed Chicken With Cucumber Salsa
1. Prepare the Chicken Glaze:
Start by making the glaze for the chicken. In a small bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, lemon zest, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk everything together until smooth. This glaze will give your chicken a sweet, savory coating as it roasts.
2. Glaze the Chicken:
Place your chicken thighs or breasts in a roasting tin. Use a pastry brush to generously coat each piece of chicken with the glaze mixture, making sure to cover all sides. Let the chicken marinate for about 15-20 minutes (if you have more time, marinate for up to an hour for even more flavor).
3. Roast the Chicken:
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the glazed chicken in the oven and roast for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Halfway through cooking, you can brush the chicken with a little more glaze for an extra layer of flavor and color.
4. Prepare the Cucumber Salsa:
While the chicken is roasting, prepare the cucumber salsa. Dice the cucumber, red onion, and any other veggies (tomatoes, if using) into small, uniform pieces. Place them in a large bowl. Add the chopped fresh herbs (mint and/or dill), a squeeze of lemon juice, a drizzle of olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until well combined.
5. Serve:
Once the chicken is fully cooked and beautifully glazed, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve the chicken alongside the cucumber salsa, either by placing the salsa on top or on the side, as per your preference.
Tips And Tricks
- For Crispy Skin: If you’re using skin-on chicken thighs or breasts, ensure you pat the skin dry before glazing and roasting. The drier the skin, the crispier it will become in the oven.
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: While you can glaze and cook the chicken immediately, allowing the chicken to marinate for at least an hour will result in a deeper, more complex flavor.
- Variation in Glaze: You can experiment with different glazes! Try adding a little grated ginger for a spicy kick or replace the honey with maple syrup for a different kind of sweetness.
- Adjust the Salsa: Feel free to customize the salsa to your liking. Add chopped chili for a little heat or swap out the mint for basil if you prefer a different herb.
- Make Ahead: The salsa can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a couple of hours. Just be sure to stir it again before serving, as the flavors will meld and intensify.
Mary Berry’s Glazed Chicken with Cucumber Salsa is the perfect balance of flavors-savory, sweet, tangy, and fresh-all working together to create a dish that is both satisfying and light. Whether you’re cooking for a family meal or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress with its vibrant presentation and complex yet approachable flavors. It’s a prime example of how simple ingredients can be transformed into something extraordinary, proving that home-cooked meals can be both easy and elegant.
Easy Recipe Variations For Mary Berry’s Glazed Chicken With Cucumber Salsa
Mary Berry’s Glazed Chicken with Cucumber Salsa is a fresh and vibrant dish that combines the savory richness of glazed chicken with the refreshing crunch of a cucumber salsa. It’s a perfect dish for a summer dinner or a weeknight meal when you’re craving something light yet flavorful. While the recipe itself is delicious, there are plenty of variations you can try to customize the dish to suit different tastes, dietary preferences, or what you have in your pantry. Here are some creative ways to give this recipe a new twist:
1. Swap Chicken For Other Proteins
If you’re not a fan of chicken or want to switch it up, you can substitute the chicken breasts or thighs with other proteins. Try turkey or pork tenderloin for a slightly different flavor profile. If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, tofu or halloumi cheese can be grilled or pan-fried to take on a golden crust and pair wonderfully with the sweet glaze and cool salsa. You could also use fish, like salmon or cod, for a lighter, flakier alternative.
2. Experiment With The Glaze
The glaze in Mary Berry’s original recipe typically involves a mix of ingredients like honey, soy sauce, and mustard. However, you can easily play around with the flavors by swapping or adding ingredients. Try maple syrup instead of honey for a more complex sweetness. For a deeper flavor, balsamic vinegar can add richness and tang. You could also infuse the glaze with spices-adding chili flakes for heat or garlic for extra depth. For a citrusy kick, try orange juice or lemon zest.
3. Cucumber Salsa Variations
The cucumber salsa is a fresh and zesty accompaniment, but there are plenty of variations you can try to make it your own. For example:
- Add tomatoes or avocados for more texture and flavor.
- Include some red onion or shallots for a slightly sharp, savory flavor.
- Fresh herbs can really elevate the salsa-try adding mint, dill, or cilantro depending on your preferred taste.
- To add a touch of sweetness, a handful of pomegranate seeds can bring a burst of color and flavor that complements the chicken’s glaze.
- If you want to spice things up, try adding jalapeños or serrano peppers for a fiery kick.
- For a more tropical vibe, substitute cucumber with mango or pineapple for a sweet and tangy salsa.
4. Cooking Method Adjustments
The original recipe likely calls for pan-frying or roasting the chicken, but there are several ways to adapt this step for different textures or cooking preferences:
- Grilling the chicken gives it a smoky flavor and adds an extra char, which pairs beautifully with the sweet glaze and crisp salsa.
- If you prefer a more hands-off approach, slow-cooking the chicken in a crockpot or pressure cooker will result in incredibly tender meat that falls apart effortlessly.
- For a quick fix, air frying the chicken can offer a crispy exterior while maintaining a juicy interior, and it’s a healthier alternative to deep frying.
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve made a batch of Mary Berry’s Glazed Chicken with Cucumber Salsa and have some leftovers, you’ll want to store them properly to maintain freshness and avoid spoilage. Here’s how to handle those leftovers so they stay delicious for the next meal:
1. Chicken Storage
Once the chicken has cooled, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure to consume it within 3 to 4 days to ensure it remains safe and flavorful. If you want to store it for a longer period, you can freeze the glazed chicken. Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen chicken will stay fresh for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before warming it in the oven, microwave, or on the stove.
2. Cucumber Salsa Storage
The cucumber salsa is best enjoyed fresh, as the vegetables can lose their crispness over time. However, if you have leftovers, store the salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s good for about 1 to 2 days. To keep the salsa fresh for a longer period, you might want to drain off any excess liquid that collects at the bottom. For a slightly different texture, you can even add more cucumbers the next day to give the salsa a fresher crunch.
3. Reheating Tips
When reheating the chicken, it’s best to do so gently so it doesn’t dry out. If you’re reheating in the oven, cover it with foil and heat at a low temperature (around 300°F or 150°C) for about 15-20 minutes, checking periodically to avoid overcooking. The glaze will become sticky again, adding that delightful texture when reheated.
What To Eat With Mary Berry’s Glazed Chicken With Cucumber Salsa?
Mary Berry’s Glazed Chicken with Cucumber Salsa is flavorful enough to be served on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate the meal even further. The sweet and savory chicken combined with the refreshing salsa calls for complementary dishes that balance out the richness and add a touch of variety to the meal. Here are some ideas for what to serve with this dish:
1. Rice Dishes
Rice is a natural pairing with this chicken. You could serve it with a simple, fluffy white rice or brown rice for a light base that lets the chicken and salsa shine. For something a little more flavorful, try coconut rice, which will add a touch of sweetness and complement the glaze’s richness. If you’re looking for extra nutrition, a serving of quinoa or couscous can also work well, offering a nutty flavor and a slight texture contrast to the chicken.
2. Grilled Vegetables
The dish already features a refreshing cucumber salsa, but grilled vegetables add depth and a smoky contrast. Try grilling zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus-their slight char will complement the glazed chicken. You could also prepare roasted sweet potatoes or parsnips for a hearty, earthy side that balances the lightness of the salsa.
3. Salads
A crisp salad pairs beautifully with Mary Berry’s dish, offering an additional layer of freshness. Opt for a light, herb-infused salad like a baby spinach and arugula mix, and dress it with a simple vinaigrette made from olive oil, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. If you prefer something heartier, a Greek salad featuring feta cheese, olives, and tomatoes works great, especially with the tangy glaze on the chicken.
4. Flatbreads Or Pita
For a more Mediterranean flair, serve the chicken with pita bread or flatbreads to scoop up the salsa and enjoy the flavors in each bite. The bread will also help soak up the delicious glaze, making every bite satisfying and flavorful.
Conclusion
Mary Berry’s Glazed Chicken with Cucumber Salsa is a versatile and delightful dish that can easily be adapted to suit different tastes, dietary preferences, and occasions. With its balance of sweetness, tang, and savory flavors, it offers a refreshing take on a classic chicken dish. Whether you’re swapping proteins, experimenting with the glaze, or adding variations to the salsa, this recipe invites creativity while maintaining its core, delicious essence.
When it comes to leftovers, proper storage ensures that the dish remains as tasty as the first time you made it. And with the right sides, this chicken transforms into a full meal that satisfies all kinds of appetites. From rice and grilled vegetables to fresh salads and flatbreads, the possibilities are endless for what to serve alongside this delightful dish.
FAQs
What Ingredients Are Needed For Mary Berry’s Glazed Chicken With Cucumber Salsa?
To make Mary Berry’s glazed chicken with cucumber salsa, you’ll need chicken breasts, olive oil, soy sauce, honey, garlic, Dijon mustard, fresh cucumber, red onion, mint, lemon juice, and seasonings such as salt and pepper. These ingredients come together to create a balanced, flavorful dish with a combination of sweet and savory chicken paired with a refreshing cucumber salsa.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Mary Berry’s Glazed Chicken With Cucumber Salsa?
The total cooking time for Mary Berry’s glazed chicken with cucumber salsa is approximately 30-35 minutes. The chicken typically needs about 20-25 minutes in the oven, depending on the size of the breasts, while the cucumber salsa can be prepared in about 5-10 minutes. It’s a relatively quick and easy dish to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight meal.
Can I Substitute Any Ingredients In Mary Berry’s Glazed Chicken With Cucumber Salsa Recipe?
Yes, there are a few substitutions you can make if needed. For example, if you don’t have honey, you could use maple syrup or agave syrup for the glaze. If you prefer a different vegetable to pair with the chicken, you could substitute the cucumber with a mix of diced tomatoes or bell peppers in the salsa. Additionally, chicken thighs could be used instead of breasts for a juicier result, though cooking times may vary.
