Description

Growing up, we knew it as Mrs Ball’s chicken, simply because that was the chutney my mum used. But the original name I later learned for it was “Vra na meer hoender”, which literally means ask for more chicken. And honestly, that name says it all, people always went back for seconds.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup Mrs Ball’s Original Chutney (note 1)

Salt and pepper, generously on both sides

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 packet dry brown or white onion soup mix (note 2)

1 cup boiling water

About 1.6 kg (3 1/2 lb) bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks)

1 cup Frozen peas

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 160°C (325°F).
Season the chicken: Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper on both sides, then arrange them skin-side up in a baking dish.
Make the sauce: Whisk together the chutney, mayonnaise, onion soup mix and water until smooth.
Coat the chicken: Pour the sauce over the chicken, turning the pieces to coat evenly, then cover the dish tightly with foil.
Bake covered: Bake for 1 hour with the foil on.
Finish uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for a further 45–60 minutes, turning the chicken twice and finishing skin-side up. Bake until sticky, golden, bubbly and fall-off-the-bone tender.
Frozen peas: Add frozen peas in last 5 minutes (Optional)
Taste: Salt is key to the flavour, add a little more if it tastes bland. Don't skip this step.
Serve: Rest briefly, then serve hot with your choice of sides.

Notes

Mrs Ball’s Original Chutney: A much-loved South African chutney with a sweet, tangy flavour. In Australia, it’s stocked at Coles and South African shops. In the US, it’s available through online retailers such as Amazon and speciality import food stores. If unavailable, substitute with a mild fruit chutney or mango chutney with similar sweetness.
Dry brown onion soup mix: A classic South African pantry ingredient used to add savoury depth. In Australia, it’s available at Coles and South African speciality stores. In the US, look for dry onion soup mix at major supermarkets or online, any equivalent will work well.

Prep Time: 10
Cook Time: 1 hour 45 min
Category: Chicken, Main
Method: Baking
Cuisine: South African