MasterChef 2019 was nothing short of a culinary spectacle, where contestants from all over the globe showcased their talents with unique flavors and masterful techniques. Among the plethora of dishes, chicken recipes stood out, proving that this ingredient remains a versatile canvas for innovation. Here are five winning chicken recipes from that iconic season that not only tantalized the taste buds of the judges but also captured the hearts of home cooks everywhere.
1. Crispy Chilli Chicken with Peppercorn
Crispy Chilli Chicken with Peppercorn was a standout dish by contestant Laura Higgins. Her approach to this recipe was a masterclass in balance—between heat, texture, and freshness. Here’s how you can recreate it at home:
- Marinate: Start by marinating 2 large chicken breasts in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a dash of chili flakes for about 30 minutes.
- Breading: Prepare three bowls for breading—flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs mixed with crushed peppercorns.
- Cooking: Coat the chicken in flour, dip into the egg, and then press into the peppercorn breadcrumbs. Deep fry until golden brown.
- Serving: Serve with a sauce made from honey, soy sauce, chili, and a splash of rice vinegar, garnished with fresh coriander and spring onions.
🌟 Note: For an extra kick, you can add finely chopped bird’s eye chili to the sauce.
2. Smoky Chicken Tacos with Pineapple Salsa
Michael Tsang, known for his bold flavors, wowed the judges with Smoky Chicken Tacos with Pineapple Salsa. This recipe is all about the harmonious blend of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors:
- Chicken: Marinate boneless chicken thighs with smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, lime zest, and juice for at least 2 hours.
- Salsa: Mix chopped pineapple, red onion, jalapeño, coriander, lime juice, and a pinch of salt to create a fresh salsa.
- Cooking: Grill or pan-sear the chicken until fully cooked. Let it rest, then slice and serve in warm tortillas with the pineapple salsa.
3. Chicken and Leek Pie with Puff Pastry
In a display of comfort food done right, contestant Nina Eslinger’s Chicken and Leek Pie with Puff Pastry was a classic with a twist. Here’s how to bring this cozy dish to life:
- Filling: Sauté diced chicken, leeks, mushrooms, and garlic. Add flour to thicken, then incorporate chicken stock and cream.
- Pastry: Cover the filling with a sheet of puff pastry, ensuring to crimp the edges.
- Baking: Brush with egg wash, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and bake at 180°C (350°F) until golden brown.
💡 Note: For a healthier option, you can use a light cream or milk instead of heavy cream in the filling.
4. Tandoori Chicken Skewers with Mint Chutney
Jeong Seo-Ryun’s Tandoori Chicken Skewers with Mint Chutney brought the vibrant flavors of India to the MasterChef kitchen. Here’s how you can make this iconic street food at home:
- Marination: Combine yogurt with tandoori masala, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, and food coloring if desired. Marinate chicken pieces overnight.
- Skewering: Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers.
- Cooking: Grill or roast until charred in places and fully cooked.
- Chutney: Blend mint leaves, coriander, green chili, lemon juice, sugar, and salt for the mint chutney.
5. Chicken Wellington with Mushroom Duxelles
Last but not least, Christian Gill’s Chicken Wellington with Mushroom Duxelles was a masterpiece of finesse and flavor:
- Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, sear until golden, and cool.
- Duxelles: Cook finely chopped mushrooms with shallots and thyme, reduce to remove moisture.
- Assembly: Spread duxelles on puff pastry, place the chicken on top, wrap, and seal the pastry.
- Baking: Bake at 200°C (390°F) until the pastry is golden.
In this journey through the flavors of MasterChef 2019, chicken stood out as a versatile ingredient capable of embracing a wide range of cultural influences and cooking techniques. These recipes not only delighted the judges and audience but also left a lasting impact on home cooks looking for inspiration. From spicy to savory, from traditional to innovative, the chicken recipes from this season of MasterChef serve as a testament to the enduring appeal and boundless potential of chicken in global cuisine.
Can these recipes be adapted for dietary restrictions?
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Yes, most of these recipes can be adapted. For gluten-free diets, substitute traditional flour with gluten-free flour in the breading or pastry. Dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk can replace cream, and soy sauce can be replaced with tamari for those avoiding gluten.
What’s the best way to marinate chicken to ensure maximum flavor?
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For maximum flavor infusion, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, or even better, overnight. Acidic components like lemon juice or vinegar help break down the proteins, allowing flavors to penetrate deeper. Always marinate in the fridge to avoid bacterial growth.
How can I ensure my chicken stays moist when cooking?
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To keep chicken moist, brine it before cooking. A simple brine of water, salt, and sugar can work wonders. Additionally, cooking at lower temperatures or using methods like sous-vide can help retain moisture. Let the chicken rest after cooking to redistribute the juices.
What are the key spices or ingredients for authentic Tandoori chicken?
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The key to authentic Tandoori chicken flavor lies in using spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, and Kashmiri chili powder for its bright red color. Yogurt is essential for tenderizing the meat and adding a creamy texture to the marinade.
How can I adjust the heat in the Crispy Chilli Chicken recipe?
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To adjust the heat, you can increase or decrease the amount of chili flakes or add different types of chili. For a milder flavor, you might remove the seeds from fresh chilies before chopping, or for more heat, use hotter varieties like Scotch Bonnet or Habanero.
Related Terms:
- masterchef 2019 recipe chicken
