Citrusy Dates Chicken Breasts

Few days ago I posted a dates gravy recipe which was well appreciated. So inspired with that I tried using dates in this chicken recipe too. Dates have a very unique taste that incorporates well in sweet as well as salty recipes. This recipe has a very interesting flavour, sweet, sour, salty and of course very datesy :)  The sweet lime juice gives this dish a very nice citrusy hint. I've used very little oil that makes it even healthier. So go ahead and celebrate this festive season with this easy baked chicken recipe!!! Hope you like it!!

You need

3 chicken breasts (boneless)
2 capsicums (sliced)
2 onions (thickly sliced)
1 spring fresh thyme
chopped coriander leaves
2-3 lemons (sliced)

For marinade
1/4 cup dates
juice of one sweet lime
1 inch long ginger (grated)
1 tablespoon red chilli powder or flakes (1/2 tablespoon if don't want too hot)
1/2 teaspoon pepper powder
1 tablespoon dry mango powder or 3 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
salt to taste
1 tablespoon oil

Method

1. Prepare the marinade: deseed and puree dates (add enough water to make a smooth paste). Mix all the marinade ingredients together.

2. Make small slits on the breasts and marinate the chicken at least for 6 hours.

3. Preheat oven at 220 C.

4. Grease the baking tray with little oil, put the chicken breasts. Place two lemon rings and thyme on each breast.

5. Coat the onions and capsicum with the marinade and spread them on the tray as well.

6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or till done. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves!