Chicken in Parma

We’re always thinking of something tasty but quick to make after a day at uni. Today we finished at 5 pm and wanted something simple but tasty, so we splurged slightly on Parma ham (£2 a packet). Not great we know, but everything else is cheap so we thought why not jazz it up .

Here’s what you need (serves 3):

• 3 Chicken Breasts
• 2 packets of Parma ham
• 1 packet of Serrano ham (optional)
• 1-2 teaspoons of Chicken seasoning
• Philadelphia with Garlic& Herbs
• 1 pinch of Salt, Black Pepper and Garlic Pepper
• 1 teaspoon of Butter
• 2 cloves of Garlic

For the mash:

• 6 medium sized potatoes
• Butter
• Milk
• 1 pinch of Salt
• 1 tablespoon of Philadelphia (optional)

For the peas:

• 1 cup of frozen Peas
• 2 rashers of Bacon

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Wash and clean the chicken breasts. Then add a pinch of salt, black pepper, garlic pepper and massage into the chicken. Add the chicken seasoning and massage again, making sure that all areas of the chicken are covered.
2. Set the chicken aside for 5-10 minutes while you make the garlic butter. Finely chop the garlic and add a pinch of salt. Add the butter and mix to create a paste. (You can also buy garlic butter at the shop if you want to)

The homemade garlic butter

3. Make a deep slit in the chicken breast, making sure that you don’t cut right through. Spread a third of the garlic butter paste. Add 2 spoons of the Philadelphia and spread it into the slit. An alternative option to Philadelphia is to use Boursin or mozzarella. Fold over the other side of the chicken.

4. Wrap the chicken breast in Parma and Serrano ham slices (3 Parma & 1 Serrano). Make sure that all of the chicken is covered and no gaps are left so there is no spillage. Do this for all 3 breasts. Lay them in a dish and place in the oven at 180C for 25-30 minutes (or until the chicken feels firm).

5.  Now you need to make the mash. If you know how you can skip this step, if you don’t, don’t worry we’ve got you! Boil the peeled potatoes until they break slightly when stabbed with a fork, then drain the potatoes. Add butter and milk to taste and mash the potatoes. Preferably with a potato masher but if you haven’t got one you can use a whisk (as we did in 1st year) or even a fork (as done by Rosie). Add a spoon of Philadelphia and mix it together – Just to make it a little different ;).

6. Now for the peas. If you read our About us page then you know Shannon is the picky eater. So for our touch of health we add bacon to the peas. So just boil the frozen peas, fry the bacon, mix together and Voila.

7. Plate it all up. Fancy (like we tried to do) or put it on a plate, either way it tastes great. Grab a knife and fork and enjoy!!