Mary Berry Chicken Tartiflette is a comforting and indulgent dish, perfect for those who love hearty, flavorful meals. This recipe combines tender chicken with luscious potatoes, creamy cheese, and smoky bacon, all baked to perfection. Inspired by the classic French tartiflette, Mary Berry adds her own twist to this beloved comfort food, making it an ideal dish for family dinners or cozy gatherings.
Let’s get started!
What is Mary Berry Chicken Tartiflette?
Mary Berry Chicken Tartiflette is a delicious and comforting dish that combines chicken, bacon, cheese, and potatoes in a creamy sauce. It’s based on a traditional French dish called tartiflette, which originated in the Savoy region of the Alps. Mary Berry, a famous British food writer and TV presenter, added chicken to the recipe to make it more filling and flavorful. She also used cheddar cheese instead of reblochon cheese, which is the original cheese used in tartiflette. This dish is perfect for a cold day, as it will warm you up and satisfy your appetite.
With a preparation time of around 60 minutes, this recipe is straightforward enough for a fulfilling dinner yet special enough for entertaining guests.
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Why You Love this Recipe
You’ll find Mary Berry’s Chicken Tartiflette a favorite for its:
- Ease of Preparation: With straightforward ingredients and steps, it’s a breeze to make.
- Hearty Satisfaction: The combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and cheesy potatoes offers a rich, fulfilling taste.
- Customizability: Adapt the recipe to your liking with different meats, cheeses, herbs, and vegetables.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Serving 6-8 people, it’s ideal for gatherings and family dinners.
- Comforting Quality: This dish is the epitome of comfort food, promising to deliver a cozy and satisfying dining experience.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Chicken Tartiflette
To make Mary Berry’s chicken tartiflette, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 8 chicken thighs, skinless and boneless
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 200 g smoked bacon lardons
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 150 ml dry white wine
- 300 ml chicken stock
- 2 tsp cornflour, mixed with 2 tbsp water
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, chopped
- 1.5 kg potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 100 g butter, melted
- 200 g mature cheddar cheese, grated
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Chicken Tartiflette
Follow these steps to make Mary Berry’s chicken tartiflette:
Step 1: Preheat the oven and cook the chicken
- Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas 6.
- Heat the oil in a large frying pan over high heat.
- Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, and fry for about 15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through.
- Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the bacon and onion sauce
- In the same pan, fry the bacon lardons for about 10 minutes, until crisp.
- Add the onion and garlic, and cook for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden.
- Add the wine and bring to a boil, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, until slightly reduced.
- Add the chicken stock and cornflour mixture, and bring to a boil, stirring constantly, until thickened.
- Stir in the thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove from the heat and set aside.
Step 3: Layer the potatoes and chicken
- Arrange a layer of potato slices in a large ovenproof dish, slightly overlapping them.
- Brush with some of the melted butter, and sprinkle with some salt and pepper.
- Repeat with another layer of potatoes, butter, salt, and pepper.
- Cut the chicken thighs into large chunks, and scatter them over the potatoes.
- Pour over the bacon and onion sauce, spreading it evenly.
Step 4: Sprinkle the cheese and bake
- Sprinkle the cheese over the top of the dish.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the potatoes are tender.
- If the cheese is browning too quickly, cover the dish with foil.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
What Do I Serve With Mary Berry Chicken Tartiflette?
Enhance the richness of Mary Berry Chicken Tartiflette by pairing it with:
- Green Salad: A simple, crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette brings a refreshing balance to the meal.
- Crusty Bread or Garlic Bread: Ideal for soaking up the savory, cheesy sauce, ensuring none goes to waste.
- Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Add color and nutrition with sides like broccoli, carrots, or green beans.
- Pickles: Cornichons, gherkins, or onions introduce a tangy contrast to the dish’s rich flavors.
Pro Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Chicken Tartiflette
To elevate your Chicken Tartiflette to Mary Berry’s standards, consider these tips:
- Large Frying Pan: Ensure even browning and quick reduction of sauce by using a large frying pan for the chicken and bacon.
- Mandoline or Sharp Knife: Achieve uniformly thin potato slices for consistent cooking using a mandoline or a sharp knife.
- Large Ovenproof Dish: Accommodate all ingredients and prevent spills by using a sizable ovenproof dish.
- Choice of Cheese: Mature cheddar provides a robust flavor, but for authenticity and creaminess, consider reblochon cheese. Other cheese like gruyere, emmental, or mozzarella can also be used.
- Fresh Thyme: Incorporate fresh thyme for aromatic depth. Alternatively, rosemary, sage, or parsley can offer a unique twist.
Variations of Mary Berry Chicken Tartiflette
Personalize your Chicken Tartiflette with these variations:
- Alternative Proteins: Replace chicken with turkey, ham, or sausage, or opt for a vegetarian version using vegetable stock and vegan cheese.
- Different Potatoes: Swap regular potatoes with sweet potatoes, parsnips, or celeriac for varied flavors and textures. Ready-made mashed potatoes are also an option.
- Cheese Variety: Experiment with different cheeses like gruyere or mozzarella for varied flavors and textures.
- Vegetable Additions: Introduce leeks, mushrooms, or spinach for additional color and nutrition.
How do I store Mary Berry Chicken Tartiflette Leftovers?
Keep your Chicken Tartiflette delicious even after storing:
- Refrigeration: After cooling, cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Cool completely, portion, and wrap individually before freezing for up to 3 months.
How do I reheat Mary Berry Chicken Tartiflette Leftovers?
Reheat your leftovers while maintaining taste and texture:
- Oven Method: Preheat to 180°C/160°C fan/gas 4 and bake covered for 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave Method: Cover with a damp paper towel and heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring halfway. Avoid overcooking to prevent drying out.
Nutrition value per serving:
- Calories: 686 kcal
- Fat: 42 g
- Saturated fat: 21 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Sugar: 5 g
- Protein: 41 g
- Salt: 1.7 g
- Fiber: 4 g
FAQs
What is tartiflette?
Tartiflette is a traditional dish from the Savoy region of France, in the Alps. It’s made with potatoes, reblochon cheese, bacon, and onions, baked in a casserole until golden and bubbly. The name comes from the Savoyard word for potato, “tartiflâ”.
Can I make Chicken Tartiflette ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Mary Berry’s Chicken Tartiflette ahead of time. Complete the first bake and then refrigerate or freeze. When you’re ready, do the second bake to crisp up and brown the top.
When should you eat Mary Berry’s chicken tartiflette?
Mary Berry’s chicken tartiflette is a winter dish that is mainly eaten on cold nights. It is designed to warm you up and ensure you don’t get affected by the chilly weather.
What kind of cheese should you use for Mary Berry’s chicken tartiflette?
Mary Berry suggests using mature cheddar cheese instead of reblochon cheese, which is the original cheese used in tartiflette. This is because cheddar cheese is more widely available and cheaper. However, you can also use reblochon cheese, if you can find it, for a more authentic and creamy taste. You can also use other cheeses, such as gruyere, emmental, or mozzarella, or a mix of them.
How do you prevent the cheese from browning too quickly when baking Mary Berry’s chicken tartiflette?
If the cheese is browning too quickly, you can cover the dish with foil, and continue baking until the cheese is melted and bubbling, and the potatoes are tender. This will prevent the cheese from burning or drying out, and keep the dish moist and juicy.
Conclusion
Mary Berry’s chicken tartiflette is a cozy and comforting dish that’s perfect for a cold day. It’s easy to make, and full of flavor and texture. You can customize it to your liking, and serve it with some simple sides. It’s sure to impress your family and friends and make them feel warm and happy.
I hope you enjoyed this article, and learned how to make Mary Berry’s chicken tartiflette step by step. If you try this recipe, please let me know how it turns out, and share your feedback and suggestions in the comments below. Bon appétit!
