ESSENTIAL RECIPES- CHICKEN
JUICY ITALIAN-STYLE STUFFED CHICKEN FILLETS
By Midea @ midea _ southafrica
Serves: 4
INGREDIENTS
• 4 boneless chicken fillets
• fresh basil leaves
• 100g mozzarella, sliced
• 100g sundried tomatoes
• basil pesto
• spices of your choice
METHOD
1. Butterfly each chicken fillet by slicing it horizontally without cutting all the way through.
2. Layer each fillet with mozzarella slices, basil leaves, and sundried tomatoes. Sprinkle your chosen spices over the fillets and baste with basil pesto.
3. Place the stuffed fillets in your air fryer or oven. Using the Chicken setting, cook for 20 minutes or until fully cooked and juicy.
4. Plate immediately and enjoy your Italian-inspired stuffed chicken.
Pro Tip: Secure the fillets with toothpicks or cooking twine to keep the filling in place while cooking.
BUTTER CHICKEN BAO BUNS
By Zandeleen Thygesen @ zandilions
Makes: 6 – 8 bao buns
INGREDIENTS
For the chicken filling:
• 2 teaspoons butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic
• 1 teaspoon ginger
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• ¼ cup tomato purée or passata
• ⅓ cup fresh cream or coconut cream
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken( rotisserie or poached)
• salt & sugar to taste
• chopped coriander, optional
For assembly:
• store-bought bao buns( steamed as per package)
• sliced cucumber or pickled onions
• fresh coriander or microgreens
• yoghurt drizzle, optional
METHOD
1. Melt the butter in a pan. Add the garlic and ginger, followed by the spices, garam masala and turmeric. Toast gently until fragrant.
2. Stir in the tomato purée and cook for 2 – 3 minutes. Add the cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
3. Add the shredded chicken and cook until well coated and heated through. Adjust the seasoning with salt and a pinch of sugar.
4. Fill each bao bun with a spoonful of butter chicken. Top with cucumber or pickled onion, fresh coriander or microgreens, and a drizzle of yoghurt, if desired.
essentialflavours. co. za • Summer 2025 / 26 | 79