Chicken Delight

Chicken Delight is essentially baked chicken with a spice mixture layered over the chicken before baking. To make it, one needs lightly greased chicken breasts. The mixture on top can include sour cream, paprika, garlic powder, white pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Top with cracker crumbs before putting into the oven.

Chicken brings with it several health benefits. It strengthens bones and muscles. It's rich in protein, making one feel full for longer and thereby contributing to weight management. It also contains tryptophan, which leads to higher levels of serotonin in the brain, which is the “feel good hormone”.

The chicken has a long and winded relationship with humans. The story goes that in the 5th century BC, when the Greeks were on their way to war with invading Persians, the Athenian general Themistocles saw two cocks fighting. Inspired, he stopped his troops and gathered them around the birds, saying: “Behold, these do not fight for their household gods, for the monuments of their ancestors, for glory, for liberty or the safety of their children, but only because one will not give way to the other.” Following this, many archeologists believe that chickens were first domesticated for cockfighting, not for eating. They were also revered for their fertility, and eggs hung in Egyptian temples. The Romans believed in the bird’s fortune-telling skills and the birds accompanied Roman armies – a good appetite meant victory.

Today, chickens are popular across the globe, from the Chicken Tikka Masala to the Fried Chicken Wing. It’s a mild tasting blank canvas onto which any flavour and palette can be imposed, with the Chicken Delight being just one simple option.