South African chutney chicken

This South African chutney chicken takes mere minutes to prepare and the result is tasty, sticky roasted chicken, perfect for a quick and easy meal.

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I grew up loving Indian chutneys like mango and brinjal pickle. While we may not have always had the most authentic curries at home, I did love that we usually got the jars of pickle out to serve alongside.

My kids have taken a liking to mango pickle as well - probably because it's much like a jam. So, I decided to try this South African dish on them since it combines some favorites.

Ingredients in chutney chicken

On the face of it, the sauce might seem a bit of a strange combination. Mayonnaise and chutney don't automatically feel like they go together. But it's a combination that does, indeed, work. Especially with the little extra zing from Worcestershire sauce. 

Traditionally, this would normally be made with Mrs Balls chutney which is a South African staple. It's a very old company that has been making a peach chutney to a secret recipe that has become well loved. While you can find it in some places, if you can't get your hands on it, an Indian-style mango chutney also works well. 

All you do is soften the onion and garlic then stir through the chutney, mayonnaise and Worcestershire sauce. Pour the mixture over your chicken then bake.

The Worcestershire sauce isn't intended to take over flavor-wise, it just to help give a little 'bite' to the sauce. You could also use lemon juice if you prefer.

Many recipes say to place the chicken on a foil-lined baking sheet, but I think it also works well in a baking dish. That way, you keep the juices from the chicken which taste pretty great with your rice.

That said, it probably becomes a little bit stickier and with slight crispy bits if cooked on a baking sheet. Or at least a larger dish. Cook as you prefer and have, I say!

This dish works well served with rice, either plain or South African yellow rice, or some other starch to soak up any sauce. Then a simple salad or some cooked greens or green beans give a nice balance of flavors etc too.

This South African chutney chicken is all about easy, tasty flavors perfect as a weeknight meal. It comes together quickly with minimal hands-on work for a meal that's easy to enjoy.

Try these other tasty chicken recipes:

• Aji de gallina (Peruvian chicken stew)
• Goat cheese stuffed chicken with cranberries and spinach
• One pot lemon garlic chicken with vegetables
• Plus get more South African recipes and main dishes in the archives.

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