The first time I tried a chicken escalope was in a small family-owned bistro in France. The crispy golden exterior and tender, juicy chicken inside won me over immediately. But it was the tzatziki, a cool and creamy sauce, that took it to another level. I remember that bite: the crunch, the freshness, the tangy yogurt. Since then, I’ve been on a mission to recreate that perfect pairing at home. Enter Mary Berry’s Chicken Escalope with Tzatziki.
If you’re familiar with Mary Berry, you’ll know she’s a British culinary icon, renowned for her simple yet elegant recipes. Her take on chicken escalope is no exception. It’s a delightful balance of crispy chicken paired with a refreshing tzatziki sauce, making it the perfect dish for both casual family meals and dinner parties.
Mary Berry Chicken Escalope With Tzatziki Recipe
This recipe brings together two timeless favorites: a classic crispy chicken escalope and a cooling tzatziki. The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity. You can prepare it with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, and the steps are easy to follow.
Here’s a breakdown of what you need and how to make it:
Ingredients Needed
To make Mary Berry’s Chicken Escalope with Tzatziki, you need fresh, straightforward ingredients. No frills here, just quality components that come together beautifully.
For The Chicken Escalope
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to season
- 100g plain flour (for dredging)
- 2 large eggs
- 150g breadcrumbs (preferably fresh, for extra crunch)
- 50g butter (for frying)
- A dash of olive oil (to prevent burning)
For The Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 medium cucumber, finely grated and drained
- 200g Greek yogurt (full-fat is best for richness)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Fresh dill (a small handful, chopped)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Equipment Needed
As with most of Mary Berry’s recipes, you don’t need anything too fancy. A few basic kitchen tools will do the job.
- Meat mallet or rolling pin (to tenderize the chicken breasts)
- Shallow bowls or plates (for dredging the chicken)
- Large frying pan (for cooking the chicken)
- Grater and a fine sieve (for preparing the cucumber for tzatziki)
- Mixing bowl (for the tzatziki sauce)
- Chopping board and knife (for garlic, dill, and cucumber)
- Slotted spoon or tongs (to remove the chicken from the pan)
How To Make Mary Berry Chicken Escalope With Tzatziki?
I remember the first time I made this dish. I was a bit nervous, thinking it might be difficult to get the perfect crispy crust on the chicken. But, following Mary’s recipe step-by-step, I soon learned that it was simpler than I thought, and the results were outstanding.
Here’s how you make it:
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Prepare The Chicken
- Start by laying the chicken breasts between two sheets of cling film.
- Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken to about 1cm thickness.
- Season with salt and pepper on both sides.
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Dredging
- Set up a dredging station: one plate with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
- Coat each chicken breast in flour, then dip it in the egg, and finally, coat it in the breadcrumbs. Make sure the breadcrumbs stick well for that crispy exterior.
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Frying
- Heat a large frying pan over medium heat and add the butter and a dash of olive oil.
- Once the butter is melted and foamy, add the chicken breasts, one at a time. Don’t overcrowd the pan.
- Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. (You can check the chicken by slicing into the thickest part-there should be no pink.)
- Remove from the pan and let the chicken rest on a plate lined with paper towels.
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Making The Tzatziki
- Grate the cucumber and squeeze out any excess water using a clean cloth or paper towel.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cucumber, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh dill.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir well, and your tzatziki is ready to serve!
Recipe Variations
The beauty of this dish is its versatility. You can tweak the ingredients or make adjustments based on your tastes or dietary preferences.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for a gluten-free version of this dish.
- Herb Variations: Add fresh mint or parsley to the tzatziki for a different twist.
- Add Spices: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of chili flakes to the tzatziki for a spicy kick.
- Chicken Alternatives: You can use turkey breasts or even pork escalopes if you prefer a different type of meat.
What Goes Well With Mary Berry Chicken Escalope With Tzatziki?
When it comes to sides, you want to complement the richness of the crispy chicken and the refreshing tzatziki. Here are a few options:
- Crispy Roasted Potatoes: The perfect pairing for the crispy chicken. Roasted potatoes with rosemary and garlic are a classic side.
- Greek Salad: A light salad with feta, olives, tomatoes, and cucumbers brings a fresh contrast to the richness of the chicken.
- Steamed Asparagus: Tender asparagus drizzled with a little olive oil and lemon works well to balance the flavors.
- Rice Pilaf: A simple pilaf with herbs or nuts like almonds can add texture and depth to your meal.
What I Have Learnt
After making this dish several times, I’ve learned that the key is in the details. The crispiness of the chicken needs the right temperature of oil. If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn before the chicken is cooked through. If it’s too cold, the breading will be soggy.
Tzatziki is surprisingly easy to make, but using high-quality Greek yogurt makes a huge difference. The creamy texture is essential for the sauce to complement the chicken’s crispiness.
Lastly, I’ve realized how adaptable this dish is. You can serve it as a simple weeknight dinner or elevate it for a more formal occasion by adding sides like a vibrant salad or roasted vegetables.
FAQs
What Are The Main Ingredients For Mary Berry’s Chicken Escalope With Tzatziki?
The main ingredients for Mary Berry’s Chicken Escalope with Tzatziki include boneless chicken breasts, breadcrumbs, flour, eggs, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and Greek yogurt for the tzatziki sauce. The tzatziki typically also contains cucumber, fresh dill, and a bit of salt and pepper.
Can I Prepare The Chicken Escalope Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken escalope ahead of time. You can bread the chicken and store it in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. However, it is best to cook it just before serving to ensure it remains crispy. The tzatziki sauce can also be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days.
What Can I Serve With Mary Berry’s Chicken Escalope With Tzatziki?
Mary Berry’s Chicken Escalope with Tzatziki can be served with a variety of side dishes. Common accompaniments include a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or a light couscous. For a more substantial meal, you can pair it with mashed potatoes or a side of rice.