Chicken with lemon, garlic, and olives

Lemon, garlic, and olive chicken: a delicious and easy recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

When it comes to a delicious and comforting meal, lemon, garlic, and olive chicken is the perfect choice. This classic recipe brings together intense flavors and simple ingredients, transforming into an unforgettable culinary experience. Whether it's a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish will leave everyone impressed.

A brief dive into the history of the recipe: lemon and garlic chicken is a beloved dish in many culinary cultures, thanks to the way lemon's acidity enhances the meat's texture and balances the flavors. Garlic adds a deep, rich taste, while olives provide a salty and slightly bitter note, perfect for complementing this dish.

Necessary ingredients:
- 1 medium chicken (about 1.5 kg)
- 4 lemons (2 for stuffing, 2 for garnish)
- 8-10 cloves of garlic
- 5 sprigs of fresh rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 cup of olives (preferably green or black, depending on preference)
- 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1 kg of potatoes (preferably for mashing or new potatoes)
- Salt and pepper to taste

Step by step, how to prepare lemon, garlic, and olive chicken:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by preheating the oven to 200°C. Rinse the chicken well under cold running water and dry it with paper towels. This step helps achieve a crispy skin.

2. Stuffing the chicken:
Cut two lemons into quarters. Fill the inside of the chicken with these lemon quarters, 4 halved cloves of garlic, and two sprigs of rosemary. This mixture will infuse the meat with extraordinary flavors during baking.

3. Preparing the vegetables:
Peel the potatoes and cut them into evenly sized pieces for even baking. Place them in a large baking dish and add the remaining cloves of garlic, olives, peppercorns, and a sprig of rosemary. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste.

4. Placing the chicken in the dish:
Place the stuffed chicken on top of the potatoes and add slices of lemon from the remaining two lemons over the chicken and potatoes. These slices will add a touch of freshness and an attractive appearance.

5. Adding the liquid:
In a small bowl, mix the olive oil with the chicken broth and dried thyme. Pour this mixture over the chicken and vegetables, ensuring everything is well coated. This step will contribute to a delicious sauce that will form during baking.

6. Baking the chicken:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake the chicken at 200°C for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. The foil will retain moisture, ensuring tender and juicy meat.

7. Browning the chicken:
After this time, remove the aluminum foil and let the chicken brown for about 15 minutes. This step is essential for achieving a golden and crispy skin on the chicken.

8. Serving:
Once the chicken has taken on a beautiful color, remove it from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before carving. Serve it alongside the delicious potatoes, drizzling them with the sauce from the dish. You can add a fresh green salad to complete the meal.

Useful tips:
- Choose a quality chicken, preferably from organic sources, to enjoy juicy and flavorful meat.
- For an extra flavor boost, you can also add some slices of onion or carrot alongside the potatoes.
- If you like bolder flavors, you can add a bit of white wine to the sauce for an unusual taste.

Nutritional benefits:
Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, and lemon provides a good dose of vitamin C, essential for the immune system. Garlic has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and rosemary may improve digestion. Olives are rich in healthy fats, contributing to heart health.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use boneless chicken? Yes, but the baking time will be different. Make sure to monitor the internal temperature (75°C) to avoid drying out the meat.
- What can I use instead of olives? You can substitute olives with capers or simply omit them if you don't prefer them.

Possible variations:
- Add some slices of bell pepper for a splash of color and texture.
- Experiment with herbs like oregano or basil to change the flavor profile.

This lemon, garlic, and olive chicken pairs perfectly with a glass of dry white wine or a cold lemonade, making it an ideal choice for a relaxing dinner. Prepare this simple recipe and treat your family and friends to a dish that will surely delight them! Enjoy your meal!