As the nights get darker, keep cosy indoors with this delicious, comforting dish - what could be better!

Chicken Cacciatore

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 200g shallots
• 2 large cloves garlic
• 1 fresh chilli
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 6 chicken thighs, diced
• Large bunch of fresh basil (reserve a few leaves for garnish)
• 1 tbsp fresh oregano leaves
• 600ml stock
• 2 tins/800g chopped tomatoes
• 100g pitted black olives

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 165C/145C Fan/Gas 2.
2. Peel and finely slice the shallots and garlic, and slice the chilli (remove the seeds if you don't like it too hot).
3. Heat the oil in a large, heavy based pan. Add the shallots, garlic and chilli then gently fry until they are soft - be careful not to let the garlic burn. 
4. Add the chicken and stir until it is sealed and golden brown.
5. Chop the herbs and add to the pan with the stock, tomatoes and olives.
6. Mix well, cover with a lid and bake in the preheated oven for around 40 minutes. 
7. Serve pipping hot from the oven sprinkled with a few more basil leaves.

This is a very versatile dish that works well served with pasta, boiled potatoes or crusty bread.

This recipe is from Balance - Eat Well (available to purchase here).