Recreate the UK's top takeaways at home

We are currently living through the age of 'one-click away', where we can hop on our phones and order pretty much anything directly to us. With most takeaways, the food you've ordered will even arrive within the hour! But convenience comes at a price - takeaways are the most expensive they've ever been and frequently ordering them is no good for your health. That's why fakeaways are the tasty solution to your fast food cravings.

Deliveroo recently published the UK's top trending dishes and we are going to show you exactly how you can cook up your very own fakeaway versions of each dish landing in the top 10. In 8th place is a dish that is currently trending and becoming more popular by the day... harissa chicken (and veg)!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 chicken thighs (boneless, skinless), approximately 600g
• 2 tablespoons harissa paste
  
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
  
• 1 clove garlic, minced
  
• Juice of half a lemon
  
• Salt and pepper, to taste
  

For the Vegetables:

• 1 courgette, sliced into half-moons
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
  
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into strips
  
• 1 red onion, sliced
  
• 200g cherry tomatoes
  
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
  
• Salt and pepper, to taste
  

To Serve:

• Fresh coriander, chopped
• Couscous or rice
  

Method

1. Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, mix the harissa paste, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and ensure they are well coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, or for better flavour, overnight in the fridge.
2. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (Fan 180°C, Gas Mark 6).
   
3. Prepare the vegetables: In a large roasting tray, toss the courgette, bell peppers, red onion, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out evenly.
   
4. Add the chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs on top of the vegetables.
   
5. Roast: Put the tray in the oven and roast for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender and slightly charred.
   
6. Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh coriander over the cooked chicken and vegetables. Serve hot with a side of couscous or rice.
   

Approximate cost & savings
As of Feb 2024

Farmer J's harissa chicken (London-based) - 13.95 (for one serving)
Fakeaway harissa chicken - £9.02 (for four servings)

• Chicken Thighs (600g): Depending on the store, prices can range from £3.00 to £4.00 for standard quality.
• Harissa Paste (120g jar): A jar costs around £1.80; using about 2 tablespoons will be approximately £0.30 worth.
  
• Olive Oil: A 500ml bottle costs about £2.50; a small amount used would approximate £0.10.
  
• Garlic (bulb): Around £0.30 per bulb, with minimal cost for a single clove, say £0.05.
  
• Lemon: About £0.35 for one lemon.
  
• Courgette: Approximately £0.60 each.
  
• Bell Peppers: Around £0.60 each for red and yellow, so £1.20 total.
  
• Red Onion: About £0.22 each.
  
• Cherry Tomatoes (200g): Around £0.90 for a pack.
  
• Fresh Coriander: Around £0.70 for a bunch, with minimal use cost, say £0.10.
  
• Couscous (500g bag): Costs about £1.00, with only a small portion needed, say £0.20 for two servings.
  

Total estimated savings: £11.70 (for one serving)

This is an approximate cost breakdown based on generic supermarket prices in the UK. Prices can vary based on the store, brand, and quality of ingredients. Keep in mind that prices can fluctuate and specials or bulk purchases can reduce costs.

A satisfying and filling dish that is perfect for a flat meal together! Keep checking back for more recipes that recreate your favourite takeaways.