Chicken and onion in red sauce with cheese balls

Oven-Baked Chicken with Onions in Tomato Sauce and Cheese Balls

There are moments when cooking becomes an art that blends flavors and cherished memories. This oven-baked chicken with onions in tomato sauce, accompanied by cheese balls, is such a culinary creation. Inspired by lovingly cooked memories, this recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a meal with friends. Let’s begin our gastronomic journey!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:
- 1 chicken (preferably thighs, wings, and boneless breast)
- 6 large onions
- 4 cups tomato sauce (can be homemade or store-bought, but make sure it’s of good quality)
- 100 g cottage cheese
- 50 g melted cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika (hot or sweet, according to preference)
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- Olive oil (enough to grease the onions and chicken)

Nutritional information (per serving):
- Calories: approximately 400 kcal
- Protein: 35 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g

Preparation:

Step 1: Preparing the chicken
Start by cleaning and cutting the chicken into pieces (thighs, wings, and breast). Once done, wash it well under cold running water and dry it with an absorbent towel. This step is essential to avoid a wet texture of the chicken, ensuring that the meat will be tender and delicious in the end.

Step 2: Preparing the onions
Peel the 6 onions and grease them with a little olive oil. This process will help caramelize the onions during baking, bringing a sweet and rich flavor to the dish. Place the onions in an ovenproof dish, ready to receive all the heat from the oven.

Step 3: Seasoning the chicken
In another ovenproof dish, place the chicken pieces. Sprinkle salt, paprika, and a drizzle of olive oil over the meat, making sure each piece is evenly coated. It’s a perfect moment to play with flavors: if you like spices, add a little black pepper or even a pinch of dried garlic.

Step 4: The tomato sauce
Pour the 4 cups of tomato sauce over the chicken, ensuring it is evenly covered. The tomato sauce will add juiciness and infuse the chicken with its flavors.

Step 5: Baking
Preheat the oven to 170°C. Carefully place both the onions and the chicken in the oven. Let them bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes. It’s important to check occasionally to ensure the sauce doesn’t evaporate too much. If you notice it’s too thick, you can add a little water or broth.

Step 6: Preparing the cheese balls
While the chicken and onions are baking, it’s time to prepare the cheese balls. In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the melted cheese and dried dill. When the mixture becomes homogeneous, form small balls with your dampened hands. These will add a creamy and delicious note to the dish.

Step 7: Serving
Once the chicken is ready, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve it alongside the caramelized onions and cheese balls. A serving suggestion would be to add a few slices of fresh bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Practical tips:
- You can adapt the tomato sauce by adding fresh herbs or spices you like, such as oregano or basil.
- If you want a spicy version, you can add chopped fresh chili to the tomato sauce.
- For a more sophisticated presentation, you can add fresh herbs, such as parsley, on top of the chicken before serving.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, it is recommended to fully thaw the chicken before cooking to ensure even baking.
2. Can I replace the cottage cheese?
Yes, you can use ricotta or feta cheese for a different flavor.
3. How can I make tomato sauce at home?
You can use fresh tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices to create a delicious sauce.

This recipe is not just about preparing a tasty chicken, but also about bringing people together. It can be an opportunity to share stories and unforgettable moments. Try this recipe and let yourself be carried away by the flavors! Enjoy your meal!