Baked chicken

Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs with Vegetables and Applesauce

Welcome to the delicious world of cooking! Today, I will share with you the recipe for a simple and flavorful oven-baked chicken dish. This recipe spreads warmth and comfort, making it perfect for family meals or a special dinner. By cooking this dish, you will transform simple ingredients into something truly special. Let’s get started!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 70 minutes
Total time: 85 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

- 2-4 chicken thighs (preferably skinless)
- 0.5 kg potatoes
- 1 large onion
- 6 cloves of garlic
- 5-6 carrots
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Hot paprika (optional)
- Coriander
- Cumin
- Olive oil

Useful tips

- Choosing the meat: Chicken thighs are ideal for this recipe due to their fat content, which keeps them juicy during cooking. If you prefer leaner meat, you can use chicken breast, but the cooking time will vary.
- Carrots: They not only add sweetness but also color. Choose younger and smaller carrots for a more intense flavor.
- Potatoes: Use red or yellow potatoes that hold up well during cooking. Cut them into evenly sized pieces for uniform baking.
- Spices: Don’t hesitate to experiment with spices! You can add herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor.

Cooking instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 240 degrees Celsius. This temperature will help brown the chicken and caramelize the vegetables.

2. Prepare the vegetables:
- Wash the carrots well and peel them. Then, grate or slice them into rounds about 1 cm thick. Arrange them evenly in the baking tray.
- Peel the potatoes and cut them into quarters or halves, depending on their size. Place them over the carrots, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Cut the onion into 4 parts, leaving the skin on, and add it to the tray. The onion skin will add a subtle flavor and protect the onion from burning.
- Add the garlic cloves without peeling them to preserve their intense aroma.

3. Prepare the chicken:
- Clean the chicken thighs of skin and wash them well under cold running water. Place them on top of the vegetables in the tray.
- Season everything with salt, pepper, paprika, coriander, and cumin to taste. Remember that spices are key to a memorable flavor.
- Drizzle with olive oil, which will not only add flavor but also help brown the ingredients.

4. Cooking:
- Cover the tray with aluminum foil to help retain moisture. Place the tray in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 70 minutes. In the last 10 minutes, remove the foil to allow the chicken to brown nicely.

5. Serving:
- Once the dish is ready, remove the tray from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This step is important for the juices in the meat to redistribute.
- Serve the chicken hot, alongside the roasted vegetables and applesauce. The applesauce adds a sweet note and a creamy texture that perfectly complements the savory flavors of the chicken.

Variations and suggestions

- Add other vegetables: You can include other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for a variety of flavors and colors.
- Spicy chicken: If you want a spicy note, add a little chili sauce or hot paprika to the marinade.
- Puree of other fruits: Instead of applesauce, try a pear puree or a cranberry sauce for an interesting variation.

Nutritional benefits

Oven-baked chicken is an excellent source of protein, essential for muscle development and maintaining health. The vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and minerals, contributing to a balanced diet. This meal is not only delicious but also nutritious, making it perfect for a family meal.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs? Yes, but the cooking time will be shorter, so check the meat after 45-50 minutes.
- What side dish pairs best? Besides applesauce, a fresh green salad or soft polenta would be perfect.
- Can I prepare this recipe in advance? You can prepare the ingredients a day ahead and keep them in the fridge, making cooking quicker on serving day.

In conclusion, this oven-baked chicken dish is a classic meal that will not only fill your stomach but also bring joy to your soul. So let’s cook together and enjoy the moments spent around the table! Enjoy your meal!