Chicken dish with eggs

Delicious Baked Chicken with Eggs Recipe

In a world full of sophisticated recipes, there are moments when we crave a simple yet flavorful meal. This baked chicken with eggs recipe is exactly what we are looking for: a perfect combination of tender meat, aromatic garlic, and fluffy eggs, all slowly cooked to create a dish that will delight the taste buds. It is a traditional recipe with deep roots in our cuisine, bringing together simple yet characterful ingredients.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 1 chicken breast (approximately 400 g)
- 5 boneless chicken thighs (approximately 600 g)
- 8 eggs
- 8 cloves of garlic
- 50 ml sunflower or olive oil
- 200 ml tomato puree
- 3 bay leaves
- Vegeta (or salt) to taste
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- Freshly ground pepper to taste

Recipe Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by cleaning the chicken breast and thighs, ensuring to remove any excess fat. Wash them well under cold running water and dry them with a paper towel. This step is essential for achieving a delicious crust in the oven.

2. Seasoning the meat: In a baking dish, add the oil and place the chicken breast cut into large pieces and the thighs. Generously sprinkle with Vegeta, sweet paprika, and freshly ground pepper. These spices will give the meat a wonderful aroma and intense flavor, so don’t hesitate to use them!

3. Adding flavors: Peel the 8 cloves of garlic and add them whole to the dish to let their aroma release during baking. Also, add the bay leaves for an extra touch of flavor. They will infuse the dish, providing a special note.

4. The tomato sauce: Pour the tomato puree over the meat, ensuring it is well covered. If you notice that the sauce is insufficient, add water until the meat is almost covered. This sauce will become the delicious base that envelops each piece of meat.

5. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium). Place the dish in the oven and let it bake for about an hour. During this time, turn the meat a few times to cook evenly and absorb the flavors from the sauce.

6. Adding the eggs: Once the meat is tender and well-cooked, remove the dish from the oven. Remove the garlic cloves and bay leaves. It’s time to crack the eggs directly over the dish, being careful not to break them. They will add a creamy texture and a special taste.

7. Finishing the dish: Return the dish to the oven for another 10 minutes at the same temperature to cook the eggs. You will notice how the egg whites become firm while the yolks remain slightly soft, a true delight!

8. Serving: Let the dish cool slightly before serving. It is wonderful alongside a fresh salad or pickled sides, which will add a pleasant contrast of flavors. A bottle of white wine or fresh lemonade will perfectly complement this meal.

Useful tips:
- You can experiment with the spices you use, adding, for example, thyme or rosemary for a more intense aroma.
- If you like a crunchy texture, you can sprinkle some grated parmesan on top in the last 5 minutes of baking.
- This recipe is also an excellent option for meal prep; you can prepare it in advance and reheat it the next day.

Nutritional benefits:
Chicken is an excellent source of protein, essential for building and repairing tissues. Garlic, known for its antioxidant and antibacterial properties, provides an important nutrient boost. Eggs are rich in vitamins and minerals, contributing to eye health and the proper functioning of the nervous system.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, you can successfully substitute chicken with turkey, and the taste will be just as delicious.

- How can I make the recipe spicier?
Add a little chili or cayenne pepper to the tomato sauce to give it a spicy kick.

- Is this recipe suitable for a holiday meal?
Absolutely! It can be a centerpiece dish for holiday gatherings, especially if served with festive sides.

This baked chicken with eggs recipe is not just a meal, but a culinary experience that brings family and friends together. Each bite is a celebration of authentic taste and culinary traditions. So, I wish you bon appétit and enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen!