This Mary Berry Mediterranean Chicken Thighs with Chorizo is a hearty, flavour-packed one-pan dish that combines tender chicken with smoky chorizo and vibrant vegetables. The sauce is rich, slightly tangy, and infused with herbs, creating a comforting yet fresh Mediterranean feel. It’s a straightforward recipe, ideal for weeknight cooking, and comes together in around 1 hour. Expect juicy chicken, bold flavours, and minimal fuss.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Chorizo
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 150g chorizo, sliced into thick rounds
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Mediterranean Sauce
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 red pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow pepper, sliced
- 400g tin chopped tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato purée
- 150ml chicken stock
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
To Finish
- 50g black olives, pitted
- Small handful fresh parsley, chopped
How to Make Mary Berry Mediterranean Chicken Thighs with Chorizo
- Prepare the oven: Preheat the oven to 200°C or 180°C fan. Place a shelf in the middle of the oven so the dish cooks evenly and the chicken browns nicely.
- Brown the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof pan. Season the chicken thighs and brown them skin-side down for 5–6 minutes until golden. Turn and cook for another 3 minutes, then remove and set aside.
- Cook the chorizo: Add the sliced chorizo to the same pan and cook for 2–3 minutes until it releases its oils and becomes slightly crisp.
- Prepare the base: Add the onion, garlic, and peppers to the pan. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
- Build the sauce: Stir in the chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, chicken stock, smoked paprika, oregano, and thyme. Mix well and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Combine and bake: Return the chicken thighs to the pan, skin-side up. Transfer to the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Finish the dish: Add the olives and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips
How do I keep the chicken skin crispy?
Brown the chicken well at the start and avoid covering it in too much sauce before baking.
Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes, but reduce the cooking time slightly as boneless thighs cook faster.
What if my sauce is too thin?
Simmer the sauce on the hob for a few extra minutes before adding the chicken back in.
Can I make it spicier?
Add a pinch of chilli flakes or use spicy chorizo for extra heat.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the sauce
- Pair with fluffy rice or couscous
- Add a simple green salad on the side
- Enjoy with roasted potatoes for a hearty meal
Storage
Room Temperature
Allow to cool and leave out for no more than 2 hours before storing.
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Freezing
Freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the hob or in the oven.
Nutrition
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Sodium: 820mg
These values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredients used.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance and reheat it gently before serving. The flavours often improve overnight.
Can I substitute chorizo?
You can use pancetta or smoked sausage if chorizo is not available, though the flavour will be slightly different.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, it freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before storing in airtight containers.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely. Courgettes, aubergines, or mushrooms work very well in this dish.
Mary Berry Mediterranean Chicken Thighs with Chorizo Recipe
Course: Main CourseCuisine: MediterraneanDifficulty: Easy4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcal1
hour10
minutesA rich and flavourful Mediterranean chicken dish with smoky chorizo, tender chicken thighs, and a tomato-based sauce.
Ingredients
6 chicken thighs
150g chorizo, sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 red pepper, sliced
1 yellow pepper, sliced
400g chopped tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato purée
150ml chicken stock
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried thyme
50g black olives
Fresh parsley, chopped
Directions
- Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C Fan).
- Brown chicken thighs in oil until golden.
- Cook chorizo until oils release.
- Add onion, garlic, and peppers and soften.
- Stir in tomatoes, purée, stock, and herbs.
- Return chicken and bake for 30–35 minutes.
- Add olives and parsley before serving.
Notes
- Brown the chicken well for extra flavour.
- Use spicy chorizo for added heat.
- Great for batch cooking and reheating.
