Chicken with vegetables in the oven

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

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 4-6

I invite you on a culinary journey to the heart of a simple yet exceptionally tasty dish: oven-baked chicken with vegetables. This recipe is not only a delight for the taste buds but also a healthy choice, rich in nutrients. Chicken is an excellent source of protein, while the vegetables provide a wealth of vitamins and minerals.

The history of this dish is closely tied to family culinary traditions, where each ingredient plays its special role, and baking allows the flavors to blend and intensify. An easily adaptable dish, oven-baked chicken with vegetables is perfect for a family dinner or to impress guests.

Necessary Ingredients:

- 1 free-range chicken (approx. 1.5 kg)
- 200 g cherry tomatoes (or 2 large tomatoes, diced)
- 1 medium carrot, sliced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 small eggplant, sliced
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4-5 tablespoons of tomato paste (preferably homemade)
- 50 ml olive oil or sunflower oil
- 1 bunch of fresh dill, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup of water

Necessary Tools:

- A large pot
- A baking tray
- A knife and a cutting board
- A wooden spoon or spatula

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the chicken: Start by placing the chicken in a large pot of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes. This step helps remove impurities and will yield more tender meat.

2. Sauté the onion: In a large skillet, add the oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes or until it becomes translucent. This step will add a delicious flavor to the dish.

3. Add the chicken: Remove the chicken from the water and add it to the skillet over the onion. Let it cook for 10-12 minutes, turning it occasionally to brown evenly.

4. Combine the ingredients: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Transfer the sautéed chicken and onion to a baking tray. Add the cherry tomatoes, sliced carrot, diced zucchini, and sliced eggplant. These vegetables not only add vibrant colors but also a pleasant texture.

5. Add the seasonings: In a small bowl, mix the tomato paste with a cup of water, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the vegetables and chicken, ensuring all ingredients are covered in liquid.

6. Bake: Cover the tray with aluminum foil (to retain moisture) and bake for 50-60 minutes. Check occasionally, and in the last 10 minutes, remove the foil to allow the chicken to brown beautifully.

7. Finishing touches: Once the chicken is tender and the vegetables are cooked, remove the tray from the oven. Sprinkle the finely chopped dill on top and let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving. This fresh ingredient will add a note of freshness.

Practical Tips:

- Choosing the chicken: Free-range chicken is ideal for this recipe as it is tastier and has a better texture than farmed chicken. If unavailable, a regular chicken will work just as well.
- Vegetarian option: You can replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a delicious vegetarian variant.
- Seasonal vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on the season. Bell peppers, potatoes, or mushrooms can bring a new dimension to the dish.
- Serving: This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a serving of basmati rice.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What can I do with leftovers?
Leftover chicken with vegetables can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days. You can use it to make a delicious soup or a sandwich.

2. How can I adapt the recipe to be spicier?
Add a bit of chili pepper or chili flakes to the spice mix for a spicy kick.

3. Can I use other types of meat?
Absolutely! This recipe can be adapted with pork or beef. Cooking time will vary depending on the type of meat used.

4. What are the nutritional benefits?
This recipe offers a good amount of protein from the chicken, fiber, and vitamins from the vegetables, making it a healthy and balanced choice.

Conclusion:

Oven-baked chicken with vegetables is a comforting and versatile dish, perfect for any occasion. Its combined flavors will transport you to a world of delicious tastes, and the preparation is so simple that anyone can achieve a result worthy of the best restaurants. So put on an apron and start your culinary adventure! Enjoy your meal!