Chicken with potatoes and milk

Chicken with Potatoes and Milk: A Comforting Recipe for Unforgettable Moments

At the heart of every kitchen lie stories, memories, and most importantly, recipes that bring people together. The chicken with potatoes and milk recipe is one of those dishes that will not only enrich your meals but will also transform every meal into a special occasion. This simple yet flavorful dish becomes not just lunch or dinner, but a moment of connection with loved ones.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:

- 2 chicken thighs (approximately 600-800 g)
- 8 medium potatoes (about 1 kg)
- 1 bell pepper (preferably red for a sweeter flavor)
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 glass of milk (approximately 250 ml)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or sunflower oil, if you prefer)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or spicy, depending on your preference)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 sprig of fresh rosemary (optional, for extra flavor)

Preparing the recipe:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing the chicken thighs well under cold running water. If you prefer, you can cut them in half for more even cooking and better fitting in the pan. Then, peel the potatoes, removing the skin, and cut them into slices about 1 cm thick. This will help them cook evenly while maintaining their texture.

2. Assembling the vegetables: In a baking dish, pour the 2 tablespoons of olive oil and add the potato slices. Now it's time to season the potatoes! Sprinkle with salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and rosemary, then mix everything well so that each potato slice is coated with the spices.

3. Adding flavors: Cut the bell pepper into small cubes and finely chop the garlic cloves. Add them over the potatoes in the dish, mixing again to combine the flavors. The garlic will bring an unmistakable taste to the dish, while the bell pepper will add a splash of color.

4. Preparing the meat: Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and a little paprika. This step is essential to give the meat a rich flavor. Place the chicken thighs on top of the potatoes and vegetables in the dish, allowing them to sit comfortably.

5. Creating the creamy sauce: In a small bowl, mix the sour cream with the milk until you achieve a smooth composition. This mixture will add a note of creaminess and help achieve a delicious crust on the meat. Carefully pour this sauce over the chicken thighs and potatoes, ensuring everything is covered.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C and place the dish in the oven for about 1 hour. It is important not to open the oven door in the first 30 minutes to allow the heat to concentrate and cook all the ingredients evenly.

7. Checking doneness: After an hour, check if the chicken is cooked. The meat should be tender and juicy, and the potatoes golden and browned. If you prefer the chicken to be crispier, you can leave the dish in the oven for another 10-15 minutes, setting the grill function.

8. Serving: Remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This step will help stabilize the sauce. Serve the chicken with potatoes on deep plates, drizzling a little sauce from the dish on top. A delicious option is to add a fresh green salad on the side for a crunchy contrast.

Practical tip: If you want to add extra flavor, you can also include some olives or mushrooms in the dish! Additionally, you can experiment with different types of cheese, such as goat cheese or feta, to intensify the flavors.

Nutritional benefits: This chicken with potatoes and milk recipe is an excellent source of protein, thanks to the chicken meat, and provides complex carbohydrates from the potatoes, which are essential for energy. Additionally, the sour cream and milk add calcium, important for bone health.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs? Yes, but the cooking time will be shorter, so be careful not to dry it out.
- What side dish pairs best? A green salad or steamed vegetables are excellent options to complement the meal.
- How can I turn this recipe into a vegetarian dish? You can replace the chicken with tofu or seitan, and the milk with plant-based milk (almond, soy).

In conclusion, the chicken with potatoes and milk recipe is not just a delicious meal, but also an opportunity to gather family and friends around the table. I encourage you to play with the ingredients, experiment, and make this recipe a part of your culinary story. Cooking is an art, and every meal is an opportunity to create unforgettable memories. Enjoy your meal!