Chicken with vegetables, baked (Arabic style)

Oven-Baked Chicken with Vegetables – A Flavorful and Comforting Recipe

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1.5 - 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4 - 6

Welcome to the world of culinary delights, where flavors blend perfectly to create an unforgettable meal! Today I will show you how to prepare a delicious oven-baked chicken with vegetables, a recipe specific to Arabic cuisine, that will fill your home with enticing aromas and bring a touch of warmth to your soul.

A Brief Dive into the History of the Recipe

This oven-baked chicken with vegetables recipe is inspired by old culinary traditions, where fresh ingredients and strong flavors were used to create hearty and flavorful dishes. With a mix of spices that balances sweet and spicy, the chicken becomes tender and juicy, while the vegetables caramelize perfectly, creating a truly special dish.

Ingredients

- 1 chicken (approximately 1.5 kg)
- 450 g eggplant
- 200 g green beans
- 500 g zucchini
- 300 g carrots
- 300 g potatoes
- 100 g onion
- 1 chili pepper (optional)
- 6 cloves of garlic
- 4 tomatoes
- Salt (to taste)
- Spices:
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom
- 1 teaspoon curry
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- About 4 tablespoons of olive oil

Necessary Utensils

- Kitchen knife
- Baking tray
- Large mixing bowl
- Aluminum foil
- Measuring spoons

Step by Step for a Perfect Result

1. Preparing the Ingredients
Start by washing and peeling all the vegetables. Cut the eggplant, zucchini, and potatoes into suitable cubes, while the carrots and green beans into similarly sized pieces. Chop the onion and garlic finely. If you choose to add the chili pepper, slice it into thin rounds.

2. Mixing the Vegetables
In a large bowl, add all the chopped vegetables. Sprinkle salt, pepper, allspice, cardamom, curry, and thyme over them. Mix well with your hands or a spatula so that the vegetables are evenly coated with spices.

3. Preparing the Chicken
Wash the chicken under cold running water, then dry it with a paper towel. You can leave it whole or portion it, depending on your preference. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the entire surface of the chicken.

4. Assembling the Dish
In a baking tray, add the vegetable mixture. Make a few holes with your fingers in the vegetables where you will place the chicken pieces. Drizzle the chicken with olive oil to help it become tender and brown nicely.

5. Adding the Tomatoes
Slice the tomatoes into rounds and place them on top of the chicken to add a touch of freshness and a delicious taste to the dish.

6. Baking
Cover the tray with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Preheat the oven to a medium temperature (about 180°C) and place the tray in the oven. Let it bake for 1.5 - 2 hours.

7. Finishing
After about 1.5 hours, remove the aluminum foil and let the chicken brown for another 15-30 minutes. Check if the chicken is cooked using a kitchen thermometer (the internal temperature should be at least 75°C).

8. Serving
Take the tray out of the oven and let the dish rest for 10-15 minutes. Serve it warm, alongside a fresh salad or basmati rice, to complete the meal.

Practical Tips

- Choosing the Chicken: Opt for a high-quality chicken, preferably free-range, for a richer taste.
- Vegetable Varieties: You can add or substitute vegetables according to the season or personal preferences. For example, bell peppers or mushrooms are excellent additions.
- Spices: Play with the spices! If you like spicy food, you can add more chili or even a bit of hot sauce.
- Variations: You can transform the dish into a vegetarian version by replacing the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a healthy alternative.

Nutritional Benefits

This recipe is rich in protein due to the chicken, while the vegetables provide fiber, vitamins, and essential minerals for a balanced diet. Olive oil adds healthy fats, and the spices are known for their anti-inflammatory properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can it be prepared in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken with vegetables a day in advance and reheat it in the oven the next day.

2. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Although it is recommended to use fresh vegetables for the best texture and flavor, frozen vegetables can be used, but the baking time may vary.

3. What drinks pair well with this dish?
A fresh lemonade or a dry white wine will perfectly complement the flavors of this dish.

Personal Note

This oven-baked chicken with vegetables recipe is one of my favorites for family meals. I remember how, in my childhood, my mother would prepare this dish on weekends, and the aroma would blend with the laughter and stories shared around the table. It is a recipe that brings people together and transforms an ordinary meal into a special moment.

In conclusion, oven-baked chicken with vegetables is not just a delicious dish but also an excellent way to explore flavors from Arabic cuisine. Prepare it with love and enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!