MasterChef ™

Chili-Spice Chicken Leg with Mascarpone Polenta and Blistered Breadcrumbed Tomatoes

Michelle, to Zach: "We've got to get going on the chicken."

Zach, to camera: "This is a chili spiced chicken leg quarter on top of a parmesan mascarpone polenta."

Judges, talking behind the scenes: "So Zach and Michelle's chicken, it sounds delicious. Especially that lovely creamy polenta. Also, I love seeing the chicken thigh AND leg.". 

Judge: "Is there jeopardy in a half hour ... of properly cooking a complete chicken leg and thigh?"

Judge: "Yeah, absolutely."

Judge: "Yeah. They've got their work cut out there."

Judge, 20 minutes in to 30 minute challenge: " I am concerned about this polenta. The water's not boiling yet. The stock's not boiling. I would have thrown the polenta on in the beginning because waiting is not going to make it any better."

Zach, presenting to judges: "We have for you a chili spice chicken leg quarter on top of creamy mascarpone, parmesan polenta, blistered tomatoes, and topped with an anchovy breadcrumb."

Judges Comments

"It looks beautiful. I love the color of the chicken. I was nervous the fact it wasn't gonna be cooked in time, but you proved me wrong there. It looks so inviting. Really well done."

"How long was the chicken in there for?"

Zach: "About 20 minutes."

"Chicken is cooked beautifully."

"When Gordon was cutting into the chicken, there was a moment where my mouth watered. I said, oh, that chicken looked juicy. That chicken is delicious. Gosh, you got the flavor on that chicken, and you did it in such a small amount of time."

"Polenta's creamy. Beautifully seasoned. Really good job."

"Chicken is juicy. An excellent dish."