Chicken with oven-roasted vegetables

Oven-Baked Chicken with Vegetables

If you are looking for a comforting meal, full of flavors and taste, then this oven-baked chicken with vegetables recipe is the perfect choice. Whether you are preparing for a special dinner or simply want to enjoy a delicious family meal, this dish will bring you satisfaction and joy.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (approximately 1.5 kg)
- 1/2 kg potatoes
- 3 large carrots
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
- 50 g butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt (to taste)
- Ground pepper (to taste)
- Oregano (to taste)
- Sweet paprika (to taste)
- Granulated garlic (to taste)
- Dried parsley (to taste)

Preparing the delicious oven-baked chicken with vegetables

Step 1: Preparing the chicken
Start by preheating the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. This step is essential to ensure even cooking of the chicken, helping it to become golden and crispy.

While the oven is heating up, take the chicken and pat it dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This will help the skin become crispy. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil with salt, pepper, oregano, sweet paprika, granulated garlic, and dried parsley. Use this mixture to rub the chicken all over, ensuring every nook is covered. This spice blend will give the chicken a splendid flavor, and the olive oil will help achieve the perfect browning of the skin.

Step 2: Preparing the vegetables
Peel the vegetables: potatoes, carrots, and green bell pepper. Cut the potatoes into suitable cubes, the carrots into rounds, and the green bell pepper into strips. Place them in a greased baking dish with butter, sprinkle salt and chopped fresh dill on top. These vegetables will absorb the delicious flavors of the chicken and become a perfect side dish.

Step 3: Baking
Place the chicken on the oven rack, and underneath it, place a tray with water. This will create steam in the oven, helping to maintain the chicken's moisture, so it remains juicy and tasty. Put the tray with vegetables in the oven alongside the chicken. Leave everything in the oven for about 40 minutes until the chicken is golden, and the vegetables are cooked but still charming.

Step 4: Serving
Once the chicken is ready, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier chicken. Cut the chicken into portions and serve it alongside the aromatic vegetables. A wonderful idea would be to add a garlic sauce, which will perfectly complement the flavors of this dish.

Practical tips:
1. Choose a free-range chicken, as it has a more intense flavor and better texture compared to industrially raised chicken.
2. If you want to add more vegetables, you can include zucchini, onion, or even cauliflower. These will bake wonderfully and add vibrant colors to your plate.
3. Replace butter with olive oil for a healthier option.
4. Oven-baked chicken with vegetables can also be served with a fresh salad, providing a refreshing contrast to the warm dish.

Nutritional benefits:
This recipe is not only tasty but also healthy. Chicken is an excellent source of protein, while vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals. Potatoes supply complex carbohydrates, and dill and other spices add antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use a boneless chicken?
Yes, you can use a boneless chicken, but the cooking time will be shorter. Make sure to check for doneness.
2. What other spices can I use?
You can experiment with spices like thyme, rosemary, or even curry to give your chicken a different note.
3. Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and vegetables a few hours ahead, then bake them when you are ready to serve the meal.

This oven-baked chicken with vegetables recipe is a perfect example of how you can turn simple ingredients into something truly special. Enjoy every bite and cherish the moments spent with loved ones!