Chicken with potatoes and tomatoes in the oven

Chicken with potatoes and tomatoes in the oven: the perfect recipe for a delicious and healthy dinner

If you are looking for a simple yet flavorful recipe, chicken with potatoes and tomatoes in the oven is the ideal choice. This recipe not only provides you with a tasty dish, but also allows you to enjoy other activities during the cooking time. Oven cooking allows the flavors to blend perfectly, and the food becomes healthier, needing less oil compared to stove-top cooking methods. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:
- 1.5 kg chicken (preferably whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces, without the back)
- 6-7 medium potatoes
- 1 large red bell pepper
- 1 can of diced tomatoes (400 g) or 600 g fresh tomatoes
- 3-4 cloves of garlic
- 4-5 tablespoons olive oil
- Flour (to coat the chicken)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Spices (optional: oregano, thyme, sweet paprika)

Brief history:
The recipe for chicken with potatoes in the oven is one of those dishes that brings families together around the table. It is a recipe that has crossed generations, each adding its own personal touch. The dish symbolizes comfort and the warmth of home, and its enticing aroma reminds us of Sunday meals, when the time spent with loved ones is just as important as the food itself.

Step by step:

Step 1: Prepare the chicken
Start by washing the chicken (remove the back, if preferred) and cut it into 8 pieces. It is important to clean the meat well and remove any unpleasant parts. Then season with salt and pepper to taste. This step is essential for adding flavor to your dish.

Step 2: Brown the chicken
Heat the olive oil in a deep pan. This will not only aid in cooking but will also provide a delicious taste. Coat the chicken pieces with flour, shaking off the excess. The heat of the oil will help form a golden crust that will retain the juices of the meat. Let the pieces brown on both sides for about 5-7 minutes, without cooking them completely. The goal is to create a crispy crust.

Step 3: Prepare the vegetables
Peel and wash the potatoes, garlic, and bell pepper. Cut the potatoes into quarters or sixths, depending on your preference - the bigger they are, the longer they will take to cook. The bell pepper should be cut into large cubes (about 2 cm), and the garlic should be crushed with the flat side of a knife, releasing its essential oils.

Step 4: Cook the vegetables
Remove the browned chicken to a plate and add the potatoes to the pan with the remaining fat. Season with salt, pepper, and your preferred spices (oregano or thyme work wonderfully). Let them brown for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add the bell pepper and garlic, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the garlic turns golden.

Step 5: Baking
Transfer the potatoes and bell pepper to a baking dish. Place the chicken pieces on top and add the diced tomatoes (or the chopped fresh tomatoes). It is important to cover the dish with a lid or plastic wrap to retain moisture. Place the dish in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes. Then, remove the cover and leave it in the oven for another 15 minutes to brown nicely.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the chicken with potatoes and tomatoes alongside a fresh green salad or grilled vegetables. A glass of dry white wine pairs perfectly with this dish. If you want to add a touch of freshness, you can garnish with a few fresh basil leaves or finely chopped parsley.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken breast, but the cooking time will be reduced.

2. How can I adapt the recipe for a vegetarian diet?
Replace the chicken with tofu or a mix of vegetables (eggplant, zucchini, carrots).

3. Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Carrots, zucchini, or onions are excellent additions.

4. How long do leftovers last?
The dish can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

Nutritional benefits:
Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, while potatoes provide complex carbohydrates, serving as a long-term energy source. Garlic not only adds flavor but also has antibacterial and antioxidant properties, while tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an important antioxidant for heart health.

Possible variations:
To customize the recipe, you can add spices like curry or cumin for an exotic note. You can also try adding olives or capers in the last few minutes of cooking for a Mediterranean flavor.

Now that you have all the necessary information, I wish you happy cooking! Chicken with potatoes and tomatoes in the oven will surely become a family favorite. Don't forget to share this recipe with friends and enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen!