It surely cannot be argued that chicken is one of our most popular ingredients in cooking. It is also one of the most versatile in terms of the number of ways in which we can prepare it and in the number of other ingredients with which it can be so complementarily matched. It goes well in everything from light salads, to curries, to casseroles. This page is all about one particular healthy chicken recipe which is both inexpensive and extremely simple to prepare.

I have heard it said by top chefs that the very best dishes sometimes have the fewest number of ingredients. I will not claim that this dish, however delicious it may be, is anything approaching cordon bleu standards, but it certainly does not consist of a great many ingredients.

For two people, you will need:

2 free range, organic chicken breast fillets

2 pineapple rings (either fresh or canned in their own juice)

1 Granny Smith apple (de-cored and sliced in to rings)

2 large basil leaves (roughly torn)

4 small tomatoes for garnish (I used one red and one yellow per person)

Line a baking sheet with aluminium foil (shiny side uppermost) and lay the pineapple rings on it. Place a chicken breast fillet on top of each ring, followed by a couple of slices of apple and some basil pieces, as shown in the image above. Note that no seasoning should be used at this stage as it can dry the meat during the cooking process and that no oil is necessary.

Pre-heat your oven to 200 degrees celsius or equivalent. Wrap the aluminium foil carefully around the chicken parcels and place the baking sheet on the middle shelf of the oven for approximately twenty-five minutes.

After this time, remove the baking sheet and by carefully sticking a skewer or fork in to the chicken breasts, ensure the juices run clear. This is very important as it ensures the chicken is properly cooked.

Remember

Chicken must always be properly cooked!

The chicken is now ready to be taken to the table. A large spatula should be used to carefully remove each parcel from the tray and place it on the centre of a plate. The tomatoes should be quartered downwards from the top and carefully arranged around the chicken. Seasoning may now be added as required.

Enjoy your meal!