Oven-baked chicken with grilled mushroom side dish

Oven-baked chicken with grilled mushroom side - A savory and elegant recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Want to impress your family or friends with a delicious and easy-to-make dish? Oven-baked chicken with grilled mushroom side is the perfect choice! This simple recipe combines the rich flavor of chicken with the umami taste of mushrooms, resulting in a dish that will have you licking your fingers.

Ingredients:

- 1 whole chicken (about 1.5 kg)
- 1 head of garlic
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Spices (salt, pepper, sweet paprika, herbs of your choice)
- 1 kg of mushrooms (champignon or shiitake for a more intense flavor)
- 4 tablespoons of olive oil
- A few pieces of butter (optional, for a richer taste)
- 100 g of grated cheese (optional, for a delicious topping)

Step by step:

1. Preparing the chicken: Start by preheating the oven to 200°C. Wash the chicken well with cold water and dry it with a paper towel. It is important for the chicken to be dry to achieve a crispy crust during baking.

2. Seasoning: Clean the chicken of excess fat from the inside. Then, take the head of garlic and separate a few cloves without peeling them. Insert these cloves inside the chicken. This step will infuse the meat with a delicious flavor. Season the chicken on the outside with salt, pepper, sweet paprika, and your favorite herbs (oregano or thyme work wonderfully).

3. Cooking the chicken: Place the chicken in a baking dish, drizzle it with the 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and put it in the oven. Bake for about 1 hour, turning it halfway through the time for even browning.

4. Preparing the mushrooms: While the chicken is in the oven, prepare the mushroom side. Clean the mushrooms and cut them in half or quarters, depending on their size. In a large skillet, add the 4 tablespoons of olive oil and, once hot, add the mushrooms. Sauté the mushrooms for 5-7 minutes until golden and tender. If you want an extra flavor boost, add a few pieces of butter in the last minutes of cooking.

5. Finishing the dish: 10 minutes before removing the chicken from the oven, sprinkle the grated cheese on top to melt and create a delicious crust.

6. Serving: Once the chicken is cooked, take it out of the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Place the chicken portions on plates alongside the mushroom side. You can garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a vibrant look.

Practical tips:

- You can experiment with different spice combinations to customize the recipe. For example, adding lemon or lime can bring a fresh note.
- If you prefer a healthier option, you can replace olive oil with avocado oil, which is more stable at high temperatures.
- Mushrooms can be replaced with grilled vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for a varied side.

This oven-baked chicken with grilled mushroom side is not only a delicious main course but also a great way to bring the family together at the table. Enjoy every bite and cherish the moments spent with your loved ones!