One-pot pistou chicken
A vibrant family dinner that can serve a crowd or give you delicious leftovers. This stunning one-pot chicken dish is packed with wonderful seasonal ingredients. Tender roast chicken, peppery puy lentils and an array of veggies come together in this healthy crowd-pleaser, which is made even more delicious with a dollop of spinach pistou sauce.
- Preheat the oven to gas 5, 190°C, fan 170°C. Heat the oil in a lidded flameproof casserole dish over a medium-high heat. Add the chicken, breast-side down, and sear for 10 mins until golden all over.
- Transfer the chicken to a plate, then add the leeks and celery to the dish and cook for 5 mins to soften, scarping the bottom of the dish to lift off any caramelised bits. Return the chicken to the dish, breast-side up, then add the parsnips, stock and 500ml water; season. Bring to the boil, cover, then transfer to the oven for 1 hr.
- Meanwhile, to make the pistou, blitz the garlic, spinach, basil, olive oil and 2 tbsp water in a food processor until combined; season to taste. Set aside.
- Stir the lentils into the dish, re-cover and return to the oven for 15 mins. Skim most of the fat from the surface of the broth; discard. Stir in the spinach and peas, season, then re-cover and set aside for 5 mins to wilt the spinach.
- Lift the chicken out of the casserole, letting the liquid from the cavity drain back into the dish, then transfer to a board. Carve into portions then divide between bowls with the veg and broth. Top with a dollop of pistou and serve with crusty bread, if you like.
Freezing and defrosting guidelines
Freeze pistou only. In order to enjoy optimum flavour and quality, frozen items are best used within 2 months of their freezing date. For more tips on freezing and defrosting food, read our article Food Safety in the Home.
See more Roast chicken recipes
For top tips on protecting you and your family when preparing raw meat and poultry, visit Food Safety in the Home.
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