Pollo al limone e basilico

What are some of the flavours you think about when you think of the Mediterranean? For me, the top five have always been:

1. Tomatoes
2. Basil
3. Oranges and lemons
4. Olive oil
5. Garlic

This tangy chicken dish incorporates all but the first of these ingredients into the mix, so for me the smell of this cooking filling the house is just heavenly.

This healthy dish is just perfect when you want something with a fresh, savoury taste and are craving some moist tender meat. It uses lean chicken breast, but the delicious green marinade keeps it nice and juicy and stops it from going a dry in the oven.

You will need (for the sauce/marinade)

Juice and zest of one large unwaxed lemon
2 cloves or garlic
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 generous handful of fresh basil leaves
1 tbsp parmesan cheese
1 pinch of salt

Plus 4 slices of chicken breast (serves 2).

The preparation is very simple, and all you require for a great, authentic result are fresh, good quality ingredients.

1. Place the ingredients for the sauce in a blender and blend until liquid

2. Place the chopped chicken breast and all but a drizzle of the sauce in a freezer bag and shake to mix well. Leave to marinade for an hour while pottering about the house, and remember to preheat the oven to 180°C

3. Place the chicken and sauce in a roasting tin and put in the oven until cooked, making sure to pour the sauce you kept back on top of the meat.

Personally, I took advantage of the hot oven to make my favourite roast potatoes and some curly endives with mushrooms, but you could serve with whatever veg you fancy really.

Enjoy!

With Love, from Italy