Chicken on the bottle

Chicken on a Bottle – A Savory and Captivating Recipe

Welcome to our kitchen, where the magic of cooking comes to life! Today, I invite you to discover a delicious and aromatic recipe for chicken on a bottle, an innovative method of preparing chicken that will surely become the star of your meals. This recipe is not only simple and accessible, but it also offers a combination of flavors that will delight your taste buds. In the end, you will have a golden-brown, juicy, and flavorful chicken, perfect to be served alongside a healthy side dish.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Marination time: 1-2 hours
Baking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Total: 2-3 hours
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (approximately 1.5-2 kg)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or another oil of your choice)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 small cup of white wine (optional)
- 5 cloves of garlic
- 2 green onions
- 1 peeled tomato (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt, pepper, paprika, dried basil, dried parsley (to taste)

Preparing the Ingredients:

1. Washing the chicken: Start by washing the chicken well under cold running water. Make sure to remove any remaining feathers for a clean and appetizing appearance.

2. Preparing the marinade: Peel the garlic cloves and crush them. Chop the green onions into small pieces. In a large bowl, combine the oil, lemon juice, wine, crushed garlic, chopped green onions, salt, pepper, paprika, basil, and parsley. Mix all the ingredients well to create a homogeneous marinade.

3. Marinating the chicken: Place the chicken in the bowl with the marinade, ensuring it is covered on all sides. Let it marinate for 1-2 hours at room temperature, turning it occasionally to absorb the delicious flavors well.

Preparing the Chicken on the Bottle:

4. Preparing the bottle: While the chicken is marinating, prepare a clean glass bottle, filling it three-quarters full with water. This step is essential, as the water vapor will keep the chicken juicy during baking.

5. Placing the chicken: Insert the chicken onto the neck of the bottle, making sure it is stable. Place the bottle in a deep baking tray. Add a little water to the tray to prevent the chicken from burning.

6. Adding butter and tomato: Cut a few slices of tomato and place them on top of the chicken. Also, add a few pieces of butter to enhance the flavor.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180-200°C. Place the tray with the chicken in the oven and let it bake for about 1 hour and 30 minutes. It is important to check the chicken every 30 minutes, using the remaining marinade to baste it and maintain its juiciness.

8. Checking for doneness: The chicken is ready when the skin is browned and crispy, and the juices running from the meat are clear. Make sure it is not pink inside.

Serving and Combinations

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before carving. Serve it alongside a fresh salad, pickles, or a side of steamed vegetables. This recipe pairs wonderfully with rice or mashed potatoes, which will perfectly complement the intense flavors of the chicken.

Practical Tips and Variations:

- Vary the flavors: Experiment with different herbs! You can add oregano, thyme, or rosemary to achieve a different flavor profile.
- For a smoky taste: Add a little soy sauce or liquid smoke to the marinade for a smoky note.
- The oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for a more intense flavor, but any other type of vegetable oil is just as good.

Nutritional Benefits:
Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, rich in B vitamins essential for metabolism. Garlic has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and herbs not only add flavor but also valuable nutrients.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use thawed chicken? Yes, make sure it is completely thawed and dried before marinating.
- How can I adapt the recipe for a smaller serving? Scale down the ingredients proportionally, but ensure the chicken remains stable on the bottle.
- What else can I do with the leftover marinade? You can use the marinade to make a salad dressing or to marinate vegetables.

We hope this chicken on a bottle recipe becomes one of your favorites! Cooking is an art, and every recipe tells a story. Enjoy your meal and don’t forget to share the result with your loved ones!