Chicken on the bottle

Chicken in a Jar: A Simple Recipe for a Family Sunday

When we think of Sunday meals, we imagine moments of joy and sharing with loved ones. And nothing compares to the aroma of a roasted chicken that fills the entire house. I will present to you an engaging and easy-to-make recipe – chicken in a jar, a method that ensures a juicy and flavorful chicken.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes – 2 hours
Total time: 1 hour and 40 minutes – 2 hours and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Your basic ingredients:

- 1 whole chicken (approximately 1.5 kg)
- 50 g butter (preferably at room temperature)
- 2-3 garlic cloves (sliced)
- 2-3 bay leaves
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- A glass jar (preferably wide-mouthed)

Preparing the chicken:

1. Cleaning and preparing the chicken: Start by cleaning and washing the chicken thoroughly under cold running water. Make sure you’ve removed any leftover feathers and that it’s ready to be the star of the meal.

2. Seasoning: In a bowl, combine the butter with salt and pepper. Use a spatula or spoon to mix until you achieve a smooth paste. With your fingers, rub the chicken with this mixture, ensuring you reach inside to enhance the flavor.

3. Preparing the jar: Fill the jar with water up to halfway. This will create a moist environment during baking, ensuring that the chicken remains juicy.

4. Placing the chicken: Position the chicken on the jar filled with water, making sure it is well stabilized. Now the chicken is ready for baking.

5. Preparing the tray: In a deep tray, add water up to halfway, so that the chicken doesn’t boil but bakes evenly. Add the garlic slices and bay leaves to infuse even more flavor into the chicken.

6. Baking: Carefully place the tray with the chicken in the preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius. Bake the chicken for about 1 hour and 30 minutes – 2 hours. It’s important to check occasionally and baste the chicken with the juices from the tray to keep it moist and enhance the flavors.

Serving suggestions:

Chicken in a jar is delicious served alongside boiled or mashed new potatoes, as well as fresh vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or green salad. You can add a garlic sauce or a yogurt sauce with dill for an extra burst of flavor.

Nutritional benefits:

Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, rich in vitamins B6 and B12, which contribute to the health of the nervous system. Additionally, garlic is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an ingredient that boosts immunity.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use another type of meat? Yes, this recipe can be adapted for turkey or pork. The baking time will change, so make sure to check the internal temperature of the meat.

2. What other spices can I add? You can experiment with herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano, which pair wonderfully with chicken.

3. What do I do if I don’t have a jar? If you don’t have a glass jar, you can use a chicken stand, but make sure the chicken is supported so it doesn’t tip over.

Possible variations:

- Lemon chicken: Add lemon slices both inside the chicken and in the tray for a fresh citrus flavor.
- Spicy chicken: Sprinkle spicy seasonings like paprika or coriander for an intense flavor.

A personal note:

This recipe reminds me of Sundays spent with family, when we gathered around the table and enjoyed delicious dishes. Every bite of chicken in a jar is a journey back in time, full of stories and smiles.

Don’t forget to share this recipe with your loved ones and adapt it to your tastes. Enjoy your meal!