Mary Berry Mediterranean Chicken Thighs with Chorizo Recipe

Mary Berry’s Mediterranean Chicken Thighs with Chorizo is a flavour-packed one-pan dish filled with rustic charm and sunshine-inspired ingredients. Tender chicken thighs are cooked alongside smoky chorizo, juicy tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, creating a satisfying meal that’s both hearty and vibrant. This dish is easy to prepare, full of colour, and brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your kitchen in under an hour.

What are Mary Berry’s Mediterranean Chicken Thighs with Chorizo?

This recipe is a one-pan Mediterranean-inspired chicken dish featuring chorizo sausage, tomatoes, peppers, and herbs. The chorizo adds smokiness and depth, while the chicken thighs become succulent and full of rich flavour. Mary Berry’s version simplifies the traditional Mediterranean approach, offering a balanced meal perfect for family dinners or casual entertaining.

Other Popular Mary Berry Recipes

• Mary Berry Marble Cake
• Mary Berry Drop Scones
• Mary Berry Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry
• Mary Berry Dijon Chicken
• Mary Berry Chicken Noodle Soup

Why This Recipe is Worth Trying

• Bursting with Mediterranean flavour – Smoky, savoury, and slightly spicy.
• One-pan convenience – Easy cooking and minimal cleanup.
• Perfectly balanced – Juicy chicken, crisp chorizo, and sweet vegetables.
• Meal-prep friendly – Tastes even better reheated.
• Crowd-pleasing – Ideal for gatherings and family meals.

Essential Ingredients to Make Mary Berry Mediterranean Chicken Thighs with Chorizo

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 8 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
• 150g cooking chorizo, sliced into coins
• 1 large red onion, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 red pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow pepper, sliced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 400g chopped tomatoes (1 can)
• 150ml chicken stock
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

Handy Kitchen Tools for Best Results

• Large ovenproof frying pan or casserole dish
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Measuring jug
• Tongs

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mary Berry Mediterranean Chicken Thighs with Chorizo

Step 1: Prepare the chicken

Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large ovenproof pan over medium heat and brown the chicken on both sides for 5–6 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the chorizo and vegetables

In the same pan, add the sliced chorizo. Cook for 2–3 minutes until it releases its oils and turns slightly crisp. Add the onion, garlic, and peppers, cooking gently for 5 minutes until softened.

Step 3: Add herbs and tomatoes

Sprinkle in the oregano and stir well. Pour in the chopped tomatoes and chicken stock. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Combine and simmer

Return the browned chicken thighs to the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Cover and let simmer for 25–30 minutes on low heat until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened.

Step 5: Finish and serve

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil before serving. Serve hot with crusty bread, rice, or couscous.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Sauce too thin – Simmered uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce.
• Chicken not browned enough – Extended searing time to deepen flavour.
• Too salty – Used low-salt chicken stock and unsalted chorizo next time.

Healthier Ways to Make Mary Berry Mediterranean Chicken with Chorizo

• Use lean chicken breasts instead of thighs.
• Swap regular chorizo for turkey chorizo to reduce fat.
• Replace olive oil with a light spray for fewer calories.
• Add extra vegetables like courgettes or aubergine.

Ingredient Substitutions for Mary Berry Mediterranean Chicken with Chorizo

• Chorizo → Pancetta or smoked sausage for a similar flavour.
• Chicken thighs → Drumsticks or chicken breasts.
• Chopped tomatoes → Fresh cherry tomatoes for a lighter sauce.
• Peppers → Sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for variety.

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve With Mediterranean Chicken and Chorizo

• Couscous or rice – Absorbs the delicious sauce.
• Crusty bread – Perfect for dipping.
• Garlic mashed potatoes – Adds a comforting element.
• Roasted vegetables – Complements the smoky notes.
• Simple green salad – Balances the richness.

Expert Tips for Mediterranean Chicken Success

• Brown the chicken well – It builds a deeper base flavour.
• Let the sauce reduce – Enhances sweetness and richness.
• Use good-quality chorizo – It’s the star of the dish.
• Don’t rush the simmer – Allows flavours to blend beautifully.
• Add fresh herbs at the end – Keeps the dish vibrant and aromatic.

Creative Ways to Customize Mediterranean Chicken

• Add black olives or capers for a salty edge.
• Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese before serving.
• Stir in spinach or kale for extra greens.
• Add a splash of white wine for depth.
• Top with roasted cherry tomatoes for sweetness.

Storing Mediterranean Chicken the Right Way

• Cool completely before storing.
• Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
• Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.

How to Reheat Mediterranean Chicken (If Needed)

• Stovetop: Warm gently over medium heat with a splash of water or stock.
• Microwave: Heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• From frozen: Defrost fully before reheating until hot throughout.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

• Calories: ~480 kcal
• Protein: 36 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fat: 28 g
• Fibre: 3 g
• Sugar: 7 g

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FAQs

How do you stop chorizo from making the dish too oily?

Chorizo naturally releases oil as it cooks, which adds flavour to the dish. To prevent it from becoming too greasy, cook the chorizo first, then spoon out some of the excess oil before adding the chicken and vegetables.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in Mediterranean chicken?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs. However, reduce the cooking time by about 10 minutes, as chicken breasts cook faster and can dry out if overcooked.

Why is my Mediterranean chicken sauce too thin?

If the sauce turns out too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to allow the liquid to reduce naturally. You can also stir in a teaspoon of tomato purée to thicken it without altering the flavour.

Can this Mediterranean chicken with chorizo be made ahead of time?

Yes, it’s an excellent make-ahead meal. Cook the dish completely, let it cool, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove before serving to bring back the full flavour.

Wrapping It Up

Mary Berry’s Mediterranean Chicken Thighs with Chorizo is a one-pan wonder that brings bold, sunny flavours to your dinner table. The combination of tender chicken, smoky chorizo, and rich tomato sauce makes it a dish you’ll want to cook again and again. It’s effortless, full of colour, and perfect for both family meals and casual entertaining.