Baked Maryland Chicken (Jamie Oliver's recipe)

Maryland Chicken Bake with Corn and Beans – a simple and delicious recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Servings: 4

Discover a delicious Maryland chicken bake recipe inspired by Jamie Oliver's style. This recipe combines the juiciness of chicken with the crunchy texture of corn and beans, resulting in a hearty and flavorful dish. Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress.

Ingredients:

- 4 chicken breasts, pounded
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced thin
- 400 g canned corn, drained
- 400 g beans (half whole, half mashed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (optional, for a fresh note)
- 1/2 bunch of fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Start by preheating the oven to 200°C (180°C with fan). This will ensure even baking and a crispy crust.

2. In a medium baking dish, add the corn and beans. If using canned beans, make sure to rinse them well under cold water to remove excess salt and preservatives. Gently mix them together.

3. In a bowl, mix the olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper. This mixture will add wonderful flavor to the chicken. If you want an extra touch of freshness, add the lime juice as well.

4. Pound the chicken breasts with a meat mallet until they are thin and even. This step not only helps with even cooking but also allows the flavors to penetrate. On each breast, place a few slices of banana, then carefully roll it up. Use toothpicks to secure the rolls if necessary.

5. Place the chicken rolls in the baking dish on a layer of corn and beans. Make sure to leave a little space between each roll to allow heat to circulate.

6. Bake the dish in the oven for 40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and has reached an internal temperature of 75°C. In the last 10 minutes of baking, you can increase the oven temperature to achieve a crispier crust.

7. Once the chicken is cooked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat more tender.

8. When serving, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley for an extra pop of color and flavor. You can accompany this dish with a fresh green salad or basmati rice for a complete meal.

Useful tips:

- You can experiment with other ingredients by adding vegetables like peppers or carrots to enrich the texture and flavors.
- If you enjoy spicy flavors, add a bit of chili pepper to the spice mix.
- This recipe can also be adapted for grilled chicken if you prefer a smokier taste.

This Maryland chicken bake with corn and beans is not only easy to prepare but also full of flavor, making it an excellent choice for a quick and satisfying dinner. I invite you to try this delicious combination that will transport you straight to the heart of traditional cooking!