Mary Berry Chicken Wrapped in Parma Ham Recipe – Creamy Family Dinner

There is something especially comforting about tender chicken wrapped in crisp, salty Parma ham and served with a rich, creamy sauce. This Mary Berry Chicken Wrapped in Parma Ham Recipe brings together roasted potatoes, onions, mushrooms, herbs, white wine, and melted Reblochon for a hearty dish with plenty of flavour and texture.

The recipe is prepared in a roasting tin, with the chicken added after the potatoes and onions have started to soften, while the creamy cheese sauce is prepared separately. From the ingredients and equipment to cooking, serving, storage, FAQs, and nutrition information, the sections below cover everything you need to know before making this comforting chicken dinner.

Equipment

Equipments for Mary Berry Chicken Wrapped in Parma Ham Recipe:

You only need a few basic kitchen tools to prepare this delicious Mary Berry Chicken Wrapped in Parma Ham Recipe. Using the right equipment helps you roast the chicken evenly, prepare the creamy sauce smoothly, and serve the finished dish with ease.

• Large shallow roasting tin – Roasts the chicken and vegetables evenly while allowing the sauce to cook properly.
• Roasting tin – Useful if using a different-sized baking dish for the recipe.
• Chopping board – Provides a safe surface for preparing vegetables and chicken.
• Knife – For slicing onions, mushrooms, potatoes, and trimming ingredients.
• Oven – Essential for roasting the chicken until perfectly cooked.
• Mixing bowl – Helps combine ingredients before cooking if needed.
• Spoon – For stirring the sauce and mixing ingredients.
• Measuring jug – Makes it easy to measure liquids like cream and white wine accurately.
• Grater – Useful if grating cheese or other ingredients.
• Carving knife – Slices the cooked chicken neatly before serving.
• Serving plate – Ideal for presenting the finished dish at the table.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Mary Berry Chicken Wrapped in Parma Ham Recipe:

This Mary Berry Chicken Wrapped in Parma Ham Recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients to create a rich and satisfying meal. Tender chicken, crispy Parma ham, creamy cheese, potatoes, mushrooms, and herbs come together in a delicious sauce that is perfect for a family dinner. If Reblochon cheese is unavailable, Brie or Camembert makes an excellent substitute.

Ingredient	Quantity
Skinless boneless chicken breasts	6
Parma ham	12 slices
Black Forest ham, snipped	170g
Onions, thinly sliced	2 large
New potatoes, thickly sliced	1kg
Olive oil	2 tbsp
Garlic cloves, crushed	2
Button mushrooms, sliced	250g
White wine	150ml
Pouring double cream	300ml
Reblochon cheese	250g
Brie (optional substitute)	250g
Camembert (optional substitute)	250g
Grainy mustard	1 tbsp
Lemon juice	1 tbsp
Freshly chopped thyme	1 tbsp
Freshly chopped parsley	2 tbsp
Tarragon, chopped	1 tbsp
Salt	To taste
Freshly ground black pepper	To taste

How to Make Mary Berry Chicken Wrapped in Parma Ham

1. Preheat oven to 200°C, 180°C Fan, or Gas 6. Lightly grease a large roasting tin so the ingredients do not stick during cooking.
2. Place the thinly sliced onions and thickly sliced new potatoes into the roasting tin. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, then toss together until evenly coated.
3. Roast the vegetables for about 25 minutes. They should start to soften while developing a light golden colour.
4. Wrap chicken breasts with the Parma ham, making sure each piece is fully covered. Arrange them over the roasted vegetables.
5. Scatter the button mushrooms, crushed garlic, and snip ham around the chicken. Return the tin to the oven and cook for 20–22 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
6. Meanwhile, combine the white wine, pouring double cream, grainy mustard, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Heat gently before you add cheese, allowing the Reblochon cheese to melt into a smooth sauce.
7. Stir in the freshly chopped thyme, freshly chopped parsley, and tarragon. Mix well until the herbs are evenly distributed.
8. Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken and vegetables, then return to oven for a few minutes until bubbling. The flavours will blend together beautifully.
9. Rest chicken for about 5 minutes before slicing. Carve chicken, spoon over sauce, and serve piping hot on a warm plate with a green vegetable if desired. You can also prepare 2 hours ahead and bake just before serving.

Expert Tips for Mary Berry Chicken Wrapped in Parma Ham Recipe

This recipe is simple to prepare, but a few small details can make a big difference. I’ve found that taking extra care with the cheese, chicken, and potatoes creates a creamier sauce and a perfectly cooked meal every time.

• Use Reblochon cheese for the most authentic flavour, but Brie or Camembert works well if it is easier to find.
• Wrap chicken tightly with the Parma ham so it stays in place while roasting and keeps the chicken juicy.
• Cook the nearly tender potatoes before adding the chicken to ensure everything finishes cooking at the same time.
• If using Reblochon, remove rind only if you prefer a milder flavour. Leaving it on gives the sauce a richer taste.
• Always rest chicken for a few minutes before slicing to keep the meat moist and tender.
• Stir herbs into sauce at the end of cooking to keep the flavours fresh and vibrant.
• A little extra grainy mustard and lemon juice can brighten the rich cream sauce without overpowering it.
• Sprinkle freshly chopped thyme, freshly chopped parsley, and tarragon just before serving for the best aroma.
• Serve with a green vegetable alongside to balance the richness of the dish.
• This recipe can be prepare vegetables ahead, but it is not suitable for freezing because the creamy sauce may separate after thawing.

Serving Suggestions

How to serve Mary Berry Chicken Wrapped in Parma Ham:

This Mary Berry Chicken Wrapped in Parma Ham Recipe is best enjoyed serve piping hot on a warm plate with plenty of vegetables and sauce. Its rich creamy sauce makes it a wonderful family meal, perfect as a comforting traybake dinner that serves 6 and is ideal for sharing.

• Serve with a steamed green vegetable such as broccoli, green beans, or peas.
• Pair with a crisp green salad for a lighter balance to the rich sauce.
• Enjoy with warm crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Serve with a chilled glass of dry white wine or sparkling water with lemon.
• Finish the meal with a light fruit dessert such as fresh berries or baked apples.
• Perfect for Sunday lunches, family gatherings, or a cosy winter dinner.
• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme before serving for extra freshness.

Storage

How to store Mary Berry Chicken Wrapped in Parma Ham:

Room Temperature

• Leave the dish at room temperature for no longer than 2 hours before refrigerating.
• Do not leave the creamy sauce out for extended periods.

Refrigerator

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently in the oven at 180°C or in the microwave until the chicken is thoroughly hot.
• You can prepare ahead by assembling most of the dish and refrigerating before baking.

Freezer

• This recipe is not suitable for freezing because the cream and cheese sauce may separate after thawing.
• If freezing is necessary, freeze only the cooked chicken without the sauce for up to 1 month, then prepare fresh sauce when serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use another cheese instead of Reblochon cheese?

Yes. A Brie substitute or Camembert substitute works very well if Reblochon is unavailable. They both melt smoothly and give the sauce a rich, creamy texture.

2. Can I replace Parma ham?

Yes. Thin slices of smoked cured ham or Black Forest ham are good alternatives. They provide a similar salty flavour while keeping the chicken moist.

3. Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

Yes. You can prepare ahead by assembling the vegetables and wrapping the chicken several hours before cooking. Keep everything refrigerated until you’re ready to bake.

4. Can I freeze this recipe?

It is best not to freeze the finished dish because the creamy sauce may split after thawing. Freshly cooked results will have a much better texture.

5. How do I keep the chicken breasts juicy?

Avoid overcooking the chicken and allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing. The Parma ham also helps lock in moisture while roasting.

6. Does the white wine make the dish taste strong?

No. The wine cooks down during baking and leaves a gentle depth of flavour. If preferred, you can replace it with chicken stock.

7. What can I serve with this traybake?

This recipe pairs perfectly with steamed potatoes, crusty bread, or a fresh green vegetable. The rich sauce also tastes delicious with simple rice.

8. How many people does this recipe serve?

This recipe serves 6, making it ideal for family dinners or casual entertaining. You can easily halve the ingredients for a smaller meal.

Nutrition

The nutrition values below are estimated for one serving of Mary Berry Chicken Wrapped in Parma Ham Recipe. Actual values may vary depending on the exact brands and ingredients used, especially the cheese and cream.

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving
Calories	690 kcal
Protein	46 g
Carbohydrates	25 g
Sugars	4 g
Fat	45 g
Saturated Fat	21 g
Fibre	3 g
Sodium	1,050 mg