Angela Patrone, Senior Lifestyle Reporter, compared Mary Berry's Mediterranean all-in-one chicken and Rick Stein's chicken, lemon and garlic traybake. After making both, she found one recipe so superior that she cooked it three times in a single month.
Mary Berry's Mediterranean All-in-One Chicken
Mary Berry's recipe combines chicken thighs and drumsticks with vibrant vegetables, olives, and preserved lemons. Patrone made two adjustments: she omitted green olives and increased roasting time by 10 minutes after adding courgettes. She noted that the preserved lemons left a salty brine that wasn't to her taste, suggesting a regular lemon as a better substitute.
Rick Stein's Chicken Traybake
Rick Stein's recipe uses only chicken thighs on a bed of fennel, courgette slices, and baby potatoes. Fresh lemons replace preserved ones, creating a superior flavour. The chicken is pan-seared before baking, resulting in crispy skin and tender meat. Patrone found the preparation slightly more involved but the flavour significantly better.
Comparison and Verdict
Patrone preferred Stein's version for its superior taste, fewer ingredients, and lower cost. She has made it three times in the past month, while Berry's recipe, though delicious, failed to impress due to the salty preserved lemons. According to Patrone, "Rick Stein's chicken traybake recipe involved somewhat more preparation, but the flavour result is significantly better."
