Chicken with mushrooms and olives

Oven-Baked Chicken with Mushrooms and Olives – A Comforting Recipe for Cold Evenings

When the cold season arrives, nothing compares to the enticing smell of a slow-cooked dish in the oven. Today, I invite you to discover a delicious recipe for chicken with mushrooms and olives that will not only warm your soul but also bring a touch of joy to every meal. This simple and quick recipe is perfect for autumn and winter evenings when you want to indulge in a comforting dish.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:

- 1 kg chicken thighs (skinless)
- 300 g mixed mushrooms (fresh or frozen)
- 200 g olives (green or black, depending on preferences)
- 200 g homemade ketchup (about one cup)
- 4 cloves of garlic
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- 50 ml basil olive oil
- Fresh parsley (for serving)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing the chicken thighs well under cold running water. Then, place them in a baking dish. It is best to use thigh pieces, as they are juicier and cook evenly, providing a perfect texture.

2. Seasoning the chicken: Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of the thighs to add flavor. Here you can also experiment with other spices, such as paprika or herbs, if you want an extra note of flavor.

3. Adding mushrooms and olives: Meanwhile, clean and finely chop the garlic cloves. Place the mushrooms and olives on top of the chicken thighs, along with the chopped garlic. This combination will add a deep and savory taste to your dish.

4. Adding liquid: Pour a cup of water into the dish to prevent the meat from drying out during baking. Additionally, the ketchup will add not only flavor but also a delicious glaze. Drizzle the chicken with basil olive oil for an extra touch of flavor.

5. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and place the dish in the oven for about an hour. It is important to check occasionally if more water is needed in the dish to keep the chicken juicy. If you like the chicken to be browned, you can activate the grill function in the last 10 minutes of baking.

6. Serving: When the chicken is well cooked and browned, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve it warm, alongside a side of boiled potatoes, sprinkled with fresh parsley for an attractive appearance and an extra touch of freshness.

Useful tips:

- Mushroom mix: You can use fresh mushrooms, such as champignon, porcini, or oyster mushrooms, but also frozen mushrooms to save time.
- Olives: Choose the olives you like best. Green olives add a saltier taste, while black ones are sweeter and richer.
- Homemade ketchup: If you have time, you can make homemade ketchup from fresh tomatoes, vinegar, and spices for an authentic taste.

Nutritional benefits:

This recipe is rich in protein due to the chicken thighs, while mushrooms and olives provide important fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Olive oil, rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, is beneficial for heart health.

Delicious pairings:

This dish pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad or a side of vegetable rice. A cold drink, such as white wine or mint lemonade, will perfectly complement the meal.

Possible variations:

If you want to add a twist to the recipe, you can add olives stuffed with peppers or capers for a more intense flavor. You can also replace the ketchup with homemade tomato sauce or barbecue sauce for a different aroma.

So, I invite you to try this recipe for oven-baked chicken with mushrooms and olives. It is simple, quick, and extremely tasty, perfect for enjoying with family or friends. Don't forget to share your impressions and let us know how it turned out – you know what they say: "when you cook with love, every meal becomes a celebration!"