Yummy baked chicken

Baked chicken is always a favourite in our household, mainly because it's always a surprise and also because it never really comes out the same. I have various versions and like to keep everyone guessing as to which combination it will be. The accompaniments are always the same: rice, peas, carrots, squash, that kind of thing, whatever you fancy, but the chicken is as follows:

Chicken - I use thighs because I think they are the tastiest part of the chicken. Use enough for the number of people you are cooking for, according to their capacity! Place a layer of thickly sliced onion in the bottom of a shallow casserole dish. Put the chicken pieces, skin side up, on top and pour any of the following over it. Ensure that the quantity is not too skimpy - there is nothing worse than not enough sauce to pour over the whole plate!

1. Mix 1 cup tomato sauce, 1 cup chutney, 1/2 cup syrup, 2 Tblsp Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper. Add chilli if liked. Pour over chicken and cover with lid or tin foil, bake for 30 mins at 180 deg C, take off foil and cook another 15 mins until skin is brown and crisp.

2. Mix 1 cup orange juice (or peach or mango), 1 cup mayonnaise, 1 cup chutney. Cook as above.

Experience will tell you whether to cook at a lower temperature and when the cut-off point is between cooked to perfection and burnt! Never wander off and check Facebook or emails when this critical point is about to be reached.