How to spice up your chicken dinner … kitchen helper
If you’re looking in the fridge at 6pm and wondering what creative magic you can weave with the chicken thighs or fillets sitting there, we’re here to help. We’ve got three quick and easy ways to spice up your chicken dinner that are super simple to make.
Spice mixes are a super easy way to completely change the character of this budget-friendly staple. Buy them pre-mixed (most spice makers include pre-made spice mixes in their range) or make your own and keep them in a jar in the pantry whenever you need to reach for some inspiration.
With some spices and wraps or pita bread, and a few fresh ingredients, you will have a really delicious, healthy meal in 30 minutes or so.
Cut your chicken up into bite size pieces or strips, toss them some olive oil, and sprinkle over your chosen spice mix. Then fry the chicken pieces in a frypan or roast them on baking paper at 180C for about 20 minutes, giving the tray a shake at the 10 minute mark to make sure all sides are cooked.
· Mexican spice mix – for a real cheat use a packet of El Paso Taco Spice Mix. Herbies also makes a great Mexican Spice Mix, or make your own by combining dried paprika, cumin, coriander, chilli powder, cinnamon, oregano and salt.
Serve as: a taco or burrito by adding your usual favourite toppings – think salsa, avocado, sour cream, grated cheese, corn, beans, shredded lettuce or cabbage, with a squeeze of lime.
· Greek Souvlaki spice mix – combine dried oregano, paprika, parsley, salt and pepper.
Serve as: a souvlaki-style wrap in a pita with ready-made tzatziki, chopped up tomato and cucumber, and shredded lettuce.
· Middle Eastern spice mix – combine dried cumin, coriander, cardamom, cayenne pepper (go easy with the cayenne!) and smoked paprika.
Serve as: Chicken Shawarma wrapped in a pita with minted yoghurt, lettuce, sliced tomatoes and sliced red onions.
Anyone wanting to cut down on carbs or needing to go gluten free can use a large iceberg lettuce leaf as a ‘wrap’. Delicious!
