Chicken in the bag

Name: Chicken in the bag - Angela I.
Ingredients: 1 chicken (approx. 1.5 kg) 2 oranges 50 ml oil 6 garlic cloves a pinch of paprika salt pepper vegeta

Meat - Chicken in the bag by Angela I. - Recipia

When I crave baked chicken but don't feel like taking out the grill or trying other complicated options, I resort to the simple bag method. I usually choose between chicken on a beer can and this one, but the bag wins, especially when I want a quick clean-up. I have made this recipe many times and it has never disappointed me: marinated chicken with oranges and garlic, all directly in the cooking bag. It's the kind of recipe that doesn't require special techniques. Quick Info Total time: approx. 2 hours Preparation time: 15-20 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating) Baking time: 1 – 1.5 hours, depending on the oven and the weight of the chicken Servings: 4-6 Difficulty: easy Recipe type: main dish, for lunch or dinner Ingredients 1 whole chicken (about 1.5 kg) 2 oranges (for juice) 50 ml sunflower oil 6 garlic cloves a pinch of sweet paprika salt pepper vegetable seasoning 1 glass of water (for the tray) Preparation method 1. Wash the chicken well and pat it dry with paper towels. Set it aside while you prepare the marinade. 2. Peel the garlic and crush it with a press directly into a large bowl. Squeeze the juice of the two oranges over the garlic. 3. Add paprika, salt, pepper, vegetable seasoning, and oil to the bowl. Mix well with a spoon. 4. Rub the chicken with this marinade – use a silicone brush or your hands. Make sure it gets everywhere, both on the outside and inside the chicken. 5. Let the chicken sit in the marinade for about 30 minutes at room temperature. There's no need to refrigerate it for this short time. 6. Preheat the oven to 220°C. 7. Place the chicken in the cooking bag, set it in a tray, and add a glass of water to the tray. The bag must be well sealed, according to the instructions on the package. 8. Put the tray in the preheated oven. Bake the chicken until it is nicely browned. For a 1.5 kg chicken, the time is about 1-1.5 hours, but it depends on the oven. You can check if it's done by piercing it with a fork; the juice should run clear. 9. After the chicken is browned, turn off the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes in the turned-off oven, allowing the juices to settle and preventing burns when opening the bag. 10. Carefully remove the chicken from the bag (watch out for steam). Transfer it to a platter. Serve immediately, with side dishes of your choice. Why I make this recipe often It's a convenient option when I want tender, flavorful meat without a lot of work. I use just a few ingredients, the marinade is quick, and the bag keeps everything juicy. I clean fewer dishes and don’t have to wipe the oven. Tips and variations Tips - The cooking bag helps keep the meat from drying out. Don’t overcrowd it – if you have a larger chicken, check that it fits well. - Don’t open the bag immediately after taking out the tray; the steam can burn. - If you want a browner chicken, cut the bag open at the top in the last 10 minutes and let the chicken get crispy. Substitutions - Instead of oranges, you can use lemon, but the taste will be more tart. - If you don’t have vegetable seasoning, use extra salt. - Sunflower oil can be replaced with another neutral oil. Variations - For a more intense flavor, you can add fresh rosemary or thyme to the marinade. - The marinade can be made with less garlic if you don’t want a strong flavor. - If you don’t want paprika, omit it – the chicken will be lighter in color. Serving ideas - The chicken goes well with boiled potatoes, mashed potatoes, or plain rice. - A green salad or pickles are suitable, especially if you want something light. - From the juice left in the cooking bag, you can make a quick sauce for serving. Frequently asked questions 1. Can the chicken be marinated for more than 30 minutes? Yes, it can be left to marinate for a few hours in the fridge if you want a more intense flavor. 2. Can I use only thighs or chicken breast? Yes, but the baking time will be shorter. Make sure it doesn’t dry out. 3. Do I need to turn the chicken in the cooking bag? No, it’s not necessary. It browns evenly due to the steam. 4. Can I put vegetables in the bag with the chicken? Yes, but the vegetables can absorb some of the marinade, and the chicken will be less flavorful. It’s best to cook them separately. 5. What if I don’t have a cooking bag? You can use heat-resistant cling film or a covered dish, but the result won’t be exactly the same. Nutritional values Estimation for 1 serving (out of 6): Calories: ~340 kcal Proteins: 28-30 g Fats: 20 g Carbohydrates: 4-6 g (mostly from orange juice) Values may vary depending on the exact amount of skin, oil, and how much sauce you consume. The bag method doesn’t require a large amount of fat and doesn’t absorb much marinade. Storage and reheating The chicken can be stored in the fridge, in a closed container, for up to 3 days. When reheating, use the oven or microwave – the meat may become slightly drier, so you can add a bit of the leftover sauce or water. I do not recommend freezing the already cooked chicken in the bag, as the texture will not be the same.

Chicken in the bag

Tags

Categories