This South African chutney chicken takes mere minutes to prepare and the result is tasty, sticky roasted chicken, perfect for a quick and easy meal.
![This South African chutney chicken takes mere minutes to prepare and the result is tasty, sticky roasted chicken, perfect for a quick and easy meal. chutney chicken with rice and salad behind](jpg/chutney-chicken-photo.jpg)
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I grew up loving Indian chutneys like mango and brinjal pickle. While we may not have always had the most authentic curries at home, I did love that we usually got the jars of pickle out to serve alongside.
My kids have taken a liking to mango pickle as well - probably because it's much like a jam. So, I decided to try this South African dish on them since it combines some favorites.
![This South African chutney chicken takes mere minutes to prepare and the result is tasty, sticky roasted chicken, perfect for a quick and easy meal. plate of chutney chicken, rice and salad](https://www.carolinescooking.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/chutney-chicken-ohead-pic.jpg)
Ingredients in chutney chicken
On the face of it, the sauce might seem a bit of a strange combination. Mayonnaise and chutney don't automatically feel like they go together. But it's a combination that does, indeed, work. Especially with the little extra zing from Worcestershire sauce.
Traditionally, this would normally be made with Mrs Balls chutney which is a South African staple. It's a very old company that has been making a peach chutney to a secret recipe that has become well loved. While you can find it in some places, if you can't get your hands on it, an Indian-style mango chutney also works well.
![chutney chicken ready to cook prepared chicken with sauce over top before cooking](https://www.carolinescooking.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/pre-cooking-chutney-chicken.jpg)
All you do is soften the onion and garlic then stir through the chutney, mayonnaise and Worcestershire sauce. Pour the mixture over your chicken then bake.
Top tip: soften the onions
It's worth taking the time to soften the onions first to bring out their natural sweetness and saves having a harsh flavor, which you might get otherwise.
The Worcestershire sauce isn't intended to take over flavor-wise, it just to help give a little 'bite' to the sauce. You could also use lemon juice if you prefer.
![chutney chicken out oven cooked chicken in dish straight out of oven](https://www.carolinescooking.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/out-oven-chutney-chicken.jpg)
Many recipes say to place the chicken on a foil-lined baking sheet, but I think it also works well in a baking dish. That way, you keep the juices from the chicken which taste pretty great with your rice.
That said, it probably becomes a little bit stickier and with slight crispy bits if cooked on a baking sheet. Or at least a larger dish. Cook as you prefer and have, I say!
This dish works well served with rice, either plain or South African yellow rice, or some other starch to soak up any sauce. Then a simple salad or some cooked greens or green beans give a nice balance of flavors etc too.
This South African chutney chicken is all about easy, tasty flavors perfect as a weeknight meal. It comes together quickly with minimal hands-on work for a meal that's easy to enjoy.
![This South African chutney chicken takes mere minutes to prepare and the result is tasty, sticky roasted chicken, perfect for a quick and easy meal. chutney chicken on plate with rice behind](https://www.carolinescooking.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/chutney-chicken-picture.jpg)
Try these other tasty chicken recipes:
- Aji de gallina (Peruvian chicken stew)
- Goat cheese stuffed chicken with cranberries and spinach
- One pot lemon garlic chicken with vegetables
- Plus get more South African recipes and main dishes in the archives.
Chutney chicken
Ingredients
- 2 lb bone in chicken thighs (with skin), 480g, approx 5-6 thighs depending on size (can use a bit more)
- ½ onion or 1 small
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or other neutral oil
- 5 tablespoon mango chutney or Mrs Balls peach chutney, if you can get it
- 5 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400F/200C. Arrange the chicken, skin side up, on a foil-lined baking sheet/tray with a reasonably depth side or baking dish in a single layer. Pat them dry.
- Finely chop the onion and garlic. Warm the oil in a skillet/frying pan and cook the onion and garlic in it for around 3-5 minutes until softened but not browning.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and add the chutney, mayonnaise and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to mix. Pour the mixture evenly over the top of the chicken thighs.
- Place the baking sheet/dish in the oven and bake for around 40-45 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the glaze is sticky and may be slightly browned in places on top.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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![This South African chutney chicken takes mere minutes to prepare and the result is tasty, sticky roasted chicken, perfect for a quick and easy meal. #chicken This South African chutney chicken takes mere minutes to prepare and the result is tasty, sticky roasted chicken, perfect for a quick and easy meal. #chicken](https://www.carolinescooking.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/SA-chutney-chicken-Pin.jpg)
Holly
I was leery of the mayo and chutney combination, but I am always up to trying new things and this recipe intrigued me. I am so glad I made it. It was delicious and a nice change from our boring chicken repertoire. Plus it was really simple to prepare!
Caroline's Cooking
Glad to hear you enjoyed, and yes I know it sounds unusual but does indeed work!