We popped into M&S to pick up this rain jacket – and left with a basket full of chicken.
The foodhall has just launched five new flavours of marinated chicken, making family dinners easier than ever – and it’s too good to gatekeep. Simply add a few sides (we’ve included our serving suggestions below) and you’ll have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.
Each bag serves four people, making them a handy shortcut for busy households. Even my four-year-old approved. And at £8.50-£9.50 a pack, the chicken works out at roughly £2.13-£2.38 per serving before sides. Not bad!
The new flavours include: Garlic Lemon & Herb, Spiced Tandoori, Jalapeno & Herb, Thai Curry and spicy Piri Piri, and what we really love is the versatility. Pop them in the oven or air fryer, grill, or barbecue – they work whatever the weather (which is pretty handy right now).
All you do is open the bag, tip the contents (including the marinade), into a roasting tray or air fryer, or pop them on your barbecue, and it will be cooked in 25 minutes or less.
M&S Garlic, Lemon & Herb Marinated Chicken Breast Flatties
M&S Garlic, Lemon & Herb Marinated Chicken Breast Flatties
Some would say this is the least adventurous Nando’s order. I would argue, it’s a classic, a crowd-pleaser, and you just know the whole family will gobble it up. Made with preserved lemons, parsley, chives, thyme, capers and garlic, it’s giving summer.
SERVE WITH… Keep it simple – slice and top a seasonal salad, add it to risotto or serve alongside halloumi sticks and stuff into a pitta.
Everyone knows chicken thighs have the most flavour, and these are filleted so you don’t have to worry about the bones. They’re marinated in a tandoori spice blend with yogurt, ginger, chilli, and coriander – inspired by your favourite curry house, but without the delivery charge.
SERVE WITH… Create a fakeaway with basmati rice, cooling mint raita and a dollop of mango chutney.
For those that like a little more heat, this is starting to creep up the spice scale. Marinated in tomato, chillies, garlic, lemon and olive oil, this is our top choice for the barbecue if the sun ever returns.
SERVE WITH… Go all in on the spice with spicy chips, spicy rice or, our current obsession, this M&S Nacho Cheese & Buffalo Slaw, £3.50, 275g. It’s creamy and cheesy but with a serious kick.
For more of a Mexican vibe, these juicy chicken breasts are marinated with garlic, spring onion, coriander and toasted sunflower seeds. The zingy jalapeno butter is a real gamechanger.
SERVE WITH… tacos, with tomato salsa and guacamole, and an ice cold margarita, complete with salty rim.
With aromatic lemongrass, fresh chilli, coriander and lime leaves, these thighs deliver all the flavour of your favourite Thai takeaway with none of the effort.
SERVE WITH… Stir through coconut milk and serve with rice noodles or keep things fresh with this crunchy, citrussy M&S Pink Pickled Slaw.
Stacey looks after all food and drink reviews — from coffee pods and veg boxes, to natural wine and tequila. Stacey is also founder of Crummbs, where she’s written nearly 2,000 restaurant and hotel reviews since 2013. Prior to this, Stacey wrote hundreds of in-depth buying guides for the Independent, i newspaper and BBC Good Food, as well as reviewing restaurants and interviewing celebrities in her column at Balance Magazine. Stacey has also appeared in BAFTA-nominated BBC documentary Blood, Sweat & Takeaways, where she investigated South East Asia's food production industry, appearing on both Newsnight and BBC World Service to share her findings. Regularly checking out the latest restaurants, bars and product launches, Stacey also loves experimenting with recipes at home, and is a WSET-certified wine and spirits expert, with over 10 years of experience in the business. You can follow Stacey on Instagram @crummbs_uk
