Chicken

You will need to process two slices of white bread crusts to make enough fresh breadcrumbs for these burgers. Note

You could replace the preserved lemon with the grated rind of a fresh lemon. Serve this dish with bread to mop up the sauce or couscous. Remove the skin from the chicken to reduce the fat content, or use breast pieces only. Note

You can make this a day ahead. Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Wrap in two layers of plastic wrap before popping into a lunch box for work or school. Note

It’s preferable to cook the rice a day before and refrigerate until required. This helps to dry out the rice and keep the grains separate. If you don’t have time, simply cook the rice, drain well, spread onto a baking tray and allow to cool. Place in the freezer for 15 minutes before using. Note

Process 1 slice of bread for 1/2 cup crumbs. Add grated lemon zest. Note

To remove cucumber seeds, cut in half lengthwise; using a teaspoon, scrape out seeds. Note

A mouth-watering pizza-style Mexican tortilla stack which takes less than 30 minutes. With chicken mince, tortillas, a tomato-based sauce, grated cheese and served with sour cream.

When preparing the couscous, add the sugar to taste, as the orange glaze with the chicken is quite sweet. Note

If you prefer, you can use chicken pieces; cooking time will vary. Note

Stock and olives can be salty, so taste dish before adjusting seasoning. Note

Creamy chicken and leek pie is simply delicious and is comfort food at its best. Topped with croutons and baked until golden, this scrumptious homemade pie is a thing of beauty.

You can replace kumara with potato or pumpkin. You can replace beans with frozen peas. Cut small rounds, leaves or stars from leftover pastry to decorate pies. Note

Budget tip: Use peas instead of broad beans; cooking time will vary. Serve with cooked rice if desired. Note

Finishing chicken in the oven helps prevent crumb coating burning and keeps chicken moist. You will need to process 6 slices of day-old white bread to make crumbs. Note

For an authentic touch, sprinkle with fried shallots (onions). Available from asian grocery stores and some major supermarkets. Note

Replace half the corn with frozen peas or beans. Instead of shredded chicken, you could flake 100g smoked trout or salmon into the soup in Step 3. Note

Use chicken thigh fillets. You’ll need to cook 1 1/3 cups basmati rice. Use a 250g packet microwave rice; heat as packet directs, then cool slightly. Note

For a flavour boost, marinate chicken in balsamic mixture a day ahead. Cover, then refrigerate. You can use red or white wine vinegar instead of balsamic. Flavour will vary. You can use frozen green beans instead of fresh. Note

Buy semi-dried tomatoes from the deli counter rather than in jars. Pilaf is at its best served straightaway. Note

Chicken nibbles are halved chicken wings, without the wing tip attached. Use chicken drumettes or small chicken wings if unavailable. Cooking time and price will vary. Note

Use chicken breast fillets or pork loin steaks. Use a vegetable peeler to slice carrot into long thin ribbons. Marinate chicken a day ahead. Cover, then refrigerate. Note

Vol-au-vent is a classic dish, made with chicken in a tasty cream sauce. For tasty finger food, serve in smaller vol-au-vent cases.

Swap drumettes for chicken wings. Cook double: Cool half, then store in an airtight container in the fridge. Use a vegetable peeler to cut carrot and zucchini into long thin ribbons. Serve with homemade potato wedges. Swap salt, pepper and flue spice for 1 tablespoon lemon pepper or Moroccan seasoning. Note

Use drumsticks or drumettes instead of wings; cooking time will vary. Rainbow salad mix consists of shredded beetroot, carrot and broccoli stem. Make ahead: You can make satay sauce up to a day ahead; cover, then chill. Note

Take care not to tear chicken skin when making pocket. Instead of putting herb mixture under chicken skin, roll chicken in herb mixture to coat. Make ahead: You can prepare chicken several hours ahead; cover, then chill. Cook close to serving time. Note

You can use parsley instead of dill. Low GI: Omit pasta. Serve with green salad. Note

You’ll need to cook about 1 cup of rice. Note

For extra flavour, use vintage or mature cheddar cheese. Swap kidney beans for Mexican-style beans or four bean mix. Note

No ovenproof frying pan? Cook in frying pan, then transfer to an ovenproof dish. You can make casserole a day ahead; keep, covered, in the fridge. Serve casserole with Turkish pide instead of pasta. Note

While working, cover rolls in plastic food wrap to prevent them drying out. Note

Make ahead: Marinate chicken a day ahead. Cover, then refrigerate. Use a glass or ceramic bowl to marinate the chicken so the curry powder doesn’t stain the dish. Note

Smoked paprika is in the spice aisle. Note

Use a vegetable peeler to cut cucumber into long thin ribbons. Note

You can also cook these on a large sandwich press. Wrap bread, available plain and flavoured, is in the bakery aisle. Use any type you like. Note

A homemade pie is a thing of beauty, and this creamy chicken and leek pie is simply delicious. This has to be the best comfort food yet and it's perfect for entertaining.

You’ll need 2 slices of day-old bread to make crumbs. Currants and other dried vine fruit, such as sultanas and raisins, are good low-GI options. Note

You’ll need 1/2 large barbecued chicken. Replace cumin seeds with fennel seeds, if desired. Note

Comfort food doesn't have to mean hours in the kitchen. This classic and cheesy chicken parmigiana recipe with a rich tomato sauce creates a quick family meal that's ready when you are.

Use leftover roast or barbecued chicken. You can omit nuts from chicken mixture and replace with 2 thinly sliced green onions. Note

To freeze lasagne, let cool, then freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge overnight. You will need half a cooked chicken, skin and bones removed. Note

This butter chicken recipe is perfect when you are looking for a quick mid-week curry. Garnish with coriander and serve with naan bread to help bring the taste of India into your home!

Omit cashews and sprinkle stir-fly with toasted sesame seeds just before serving. Use brown onion instead of red. Not a fan of coriander? Use basil or parsley instead. You’ll find tubes of ginger paste in the fresh produce section. Note

Kumara is orange sweet potato. Ras el hanout is a spice mixture of ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, peppercorns, cloves, cardamom and sometimes dried flowers (such as rose petals). Thick pomegranate molasses has a slightly sour taste. You’ll find it at many health food shops and delicatessens. If unavailable, use honey mixed with lemon juice. Note

Stir-fry pak choy in a little sesame oil until just wilted. You can steam it, too. As an option, char-grill both sides of spatchcock until golden and finish cooking in a moderate oven, 180°C. Note

If you prefer, use a barbecued chicken – remove the skin and shred. A little crumbled feta would be delicious with this salad. Note

If preferred, you can use 1 litre of chicken stock and 2 cups of water. Note

Add some chopped bacon or prosciutto to the mix for extra flavour. Note

Try other fillings: ham, cheese and mushroom; spinach, feta and prosciutto, or bacon and tomato. Note

If liked, add some mixed seafood to the rice after it has been cooking for 5 minutes in Step 4. Note

The combination of hearty tomato sauce, oozy melted cheese and crumbed chicken is absolutely delicious, especially when baked. Enjoy this delicious dish straight out of the oven for a tasty family dinner.

Not suitable to freeze. Sauce suitable to microwave. Note

To make raita, combine 1 cup of natural yoghurt, 1 seeded and finely chopped Lebanese cucumber and 1/4 cup chopped fresh coriander in a bowl. Note

Chicken pieces can be used instead. Soak skewers in warm water for 20 minutes to prevent them from scorching during cooking. Note

If liked, use a store-bought butter chicken flavour base and omit the spices. Garam masala is a combination of dried spices, usually including coriander seeds, cumin seeds, black peppercorns, cardamom seeds, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves and grated nutmeg. Note

For individual pies, spoon mixture into 6 ramekins, top with a square of pastry and bake as directed. Note

Quick and easy chicken parmigiana topped with tomato passata with fresh spinach and sprinkled with multiple cheese creates mouth-watering flavours.

Try this cheesy polenta as an accompaniment to your favourite roast meat, stews, braises or barbecued meats. Note

For a substantial meal, accompany this with steamed rice and stir-fried Asian greens. Note

This recipe makes your own chilli oil. If you are in a rush, use store-bought chilli oil. Use mini ‘parbaked’ rolls or mini panini rolls. Add 1 teaspoon tapenade or pesto to mayonnaise, if liked. Note

This delicious chicken will become a favourite lunchtime treat for adults and kids. Add sliced tomatoes and mayonnaise, if liked. Note

To save time, ask your deli or chicken shop to quarter the chicken for you. If you can’t find Moroccan marinade at your supermarket,this recipe will still be fantastic with your favourite marinade mix or sauce. Note

You can add herbs, lemon slices or peppercorns to the poaching liquid. For a lunchbox version, add cooked rice vermicelli to the salad and use as a filling for rice-paper rolls. Note

Chicken breast fillets with skin on are sometimes called chicken supremes. Note

Chicken, broccoli and tasty cheese are a divine combination in this mouth-watering pasta bake. Fresh green salad or steamed vegetables would make the perfect accompaniment to this dish.

Use any other stir-fry sauce of choice, or you could add 2 tablespoons each sweet chilli sauce, soy sauce and oyster sauce. Note

Soak skewers in warm tip water 30 minutes to help prevent scorching. Note

To save time, leave out the pastry base and spoon chicken mix into dishes, then top with puff pastry. Note

Chicken Marylands are whole chicken legs consisting of the thigh and drumstick. They can be replaced by a quartered 1.5kg chicken. For a lighter version, swap red wine with a dry white wine. Note

For traditional Mecican tacos, use soft corn tortillas instead of shells. Note

We used baby tomatoes and Lebanese cucumbers (also known as qukes), or you can chop regular-sized tomatoes and cucumber into small equal pieces. Make salad just before serving, so it stays crunchy. Note

A fantastic and delicious honey mustard chicken risoni recipe to add to your mid-week meal rotation. A complete meal made in one pot that is on the table in less than 30 minutes.

For extra flavour, in step 1, add 1 lemon grass stalk, white only, bruised and finely chopped. Note

Toast rolls on char-grill plate, cut-side down, for 30 seconds, or until light grill marks appear. Note

Zest up the mayonnaise with a squeeze of lemon and a little crushed garlic. Note

Be prepared for flu season with a stockpile of chicken soup in the freezer. To make your own chicken stock, combine 1 whole chicken, 1 halved onion, 1 bay leaf, a few parsley stalks and a few peppercorns in a large stock pot. Cover with water and simmer gently for 2-3 hours, skimming surface if […]

To freeze, cool chicken portion and pack into an airtight freezer container. Seal, label and freeze for up to 3 months. To segment a whole chicken, cut in half and remove breasts with attached wing bones. Then remove legs, separating into thighs and drumsticks. Note