Cheesy Chicken and Serrano Ham Parmigiana

Updated at: Thu, 17 Aug 2023 09:50:15 GMT

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 240°C/220°C fan/gas mark 9. Bring a medium saucepan of water to the boil with 1/2 tsp salt for the potatoes. Peel and chop the potatoes into 2cm chunks. Roughly chop the chives (use scissors if easier). Trim the green beans. Peel and grate the garlic (or use a garlic press). Drain the mozzarella and tear it into small chunks. Once your pan of water is boiling, add the potatoes and cook until you can easily slip a knife through, 15-20 mins.

Step 2

Meanwhile, sandwich each chicken breast between two pieces of baking paper or cling film. Pop onto a board, then give it a bash with the bottom of a saucepan until it’s 1-2cm thick. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then place a slice of Serrano ham over each breast lengthways. IMPORTANT: Wash your hands and equipment after handling raw chicken and its packaging.

Step 3

Heat a drizzle of oil in a large frying pan on medium-high heat. Once hot, lay in the chicken, ham-side down. Cook until golden brown and crispy, 7-8 mins each side. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to an ovenproof dish. Cover with foil to keep warm. IMPORTANT: The chicken is cooked when no longer pink in the middle.

Step 4

Pop your (now empty) frying pan back on medium-high heat with the tomato puree and half the garlic. Fry for 1 min. Stir in the chopped tomatoes, chicken stock paste and a pinch of sugar (if you have any), then bring to the boil. Simmer until thickened, 5-6 mins. Taste and add salt and pepper if needed. Pour the sauce over the chicken, then scatter the mozzarella and grated hard Italian style cheese over the top. Bake on the top shelf of your oven until the cheese is golden and bubbling, 12-15 mins.

Step 5

Meanwhile, once the potatoes are cooked, drain in a colander and return to the pan, off the heat. Add the butter and a splash of milk (if you have any) and mash until smooth. Season with salt and pepper, then stir in half the chives. Cover with a lid to keep warm. Meanwhile, wash your frying pan and pop back on medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil.

Step 6

Once the pan is hot, add the green beans and season with salt and pepper. Stir-fry until starting to char, 2-3 mins. Stir in the garlic, then turn the heat down to medium and cook for 1 min. Add a splash of water and immediately cover with a lid or some foil. Cook until the beans are tender, 4-5 mins. When ready, serve the chicken parmigiana and its sauce with the chive mash and garlicky beans alongside. Sprinkle over the remaining chives to finish. Enjoy!

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