Chicken gratin

Warming and comforting, this is perfect for longer, cooler nights.

SERVES 4 PREP 30min COOK about 1hr 10min

• 75g (3oz) butter

• 1 onion, finely sliced

• 500g pack chicken thigh fillets, cut into bite-size pieces

• 150g (5oz) frozen peas

• 50g (2oz) plain flour

• 500ml (17fl oz) milk

• 3 thyme sprigs, leaves picked

• 1tbsp wholegrain mustard

• 2 medium floury potatoes

1 Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan) mark 4. Melt 25g (1oz) of the butter in a large pan and gently fry the onion and chicken for 10min, until onion is softened. Stir in the peas, and then empty mixture into a sieve set over a bowl to drain excess moisture.

2 Set aside 1tsp of the remaining butter, and then add the rest to the empty pan and melt over medium heat. Add the flour and cook, stirring, for 30sec. Take pan off heat and gradually mix in the milk until smooth. Return pan to heat and cook, stirring constantly, until sauce is thickened and smooth – about 5min.

3 Add the thyme leaves, mustard and plenty of seasoning. Pour into a large ovenproof serving dish and stir in the drained chicken mixture.

4 Cut the potatoes (unpeeled) into 5mm (¼in) rounds. Arrange slices over the chicken mixture in a single layer, overlapping slightly. Melt the remaining teaspoon of butter, then brush lightly over the potatoes. Season with some freshly ground black pepper. Cook in the oven for 45-50min or until the potatoes are lightly golden and tender. Serve with steamed greens, if you like. PER SERVING: CALS 555; FAT 31g; SAT FAT 15g; CARBS 34g FREEZE AHEAD Complete the recipe. Cool completely, then cover and freeze for up to 1 month. To serve, defrost overnight in the fridge. Uncover and reheat in an oven preheated to 180°C (160°C fan) mark 4 for about 40min or until piping hot.