Delicious chicken with baked potato side dish

Delicious chicken with baked potato garnish

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 80 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Welcome to my kitchen! Today I will show you how to prepare a delicious, succulent, and aromatic chicken, accompanied by a garnish of both white and sweet baked potatoes. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or to impress friends at a festive meal.

A short story

Oven-baked chicken is a classic dish loved by generations. It is a simple recipe, but with a flavor and texture that can turn an ordinary meal into a feast. By filling the skin with a delicious mixture of cheese and herbs, the chicken becomes not just a main course but a culinary experience.

Ingredients

For the chicken:
- 1 whole chicken (approximately 1.5 kg)
- 200 g sweet cheese
- 1 green onion
- Zest of 1 small lemon
- A few leaves of parsley and dill
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon olive oil

For the garnish:
- 2 white potatoes
- 2 sweet potatoes
- Salt, pepper, to taste
- Thyme, to preference
- 2 tablespoons olive oil

Necessary utensils

- Baking tray
- Mixing bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Kitchen brush or brush

Preparation method

1. Preparing the chicken
Start by washing the chicken well under cold running water, ensuring you remove any skin or excess fat. It is important to have a clean chicken to achieve a tasty dish.

2. Preparing the filling
In a bowl, mix the sweet cheese with finely chopped green onion, parsley, and dill. Add the grated lemon zest, salt, pepper, and a teaspoon of olive oil. This combination will not only add flavor but will keep the meat juicy.

3. Separating the skin
Carefully cut the chicken lengthwise, either on the breast or back, and flatten it slightly. Here comes the trick: gently separate the skin from the meat, leaving the edges attached. This step will allow the filling to infuse into the meat during baking.

4. Filling the chicken
Using the cheese mixture, fill the space under the skin. Push the filling with your fingers, being careful not to tear it. Once you're done, rub the chicken with a bit of olive oil and season it with salt and pepper on the outside.

5. Preparing the potato garnish
Wash the white and sweet potatoes, leaving the skin on for added flavor. Cut them into thick slices, seasoning them with salt, pepper, and thyme. Drizzle with olive oil to help them brown nicely.

6. Baking the chicken and potatoes
Place the chicken in a tray and put it in the preheated oven at 200 degrees Celsius. Bake for one hour. In the last 20 minutes, add the potatoes to the tray so that the flavors can combine. If you want crispy skin, do not cover the chicken with aluminum foil during baking.

7. Resting the chicken
After the chicken is taken out of the oven, let it rest for 10-15 minutes, covered with aluminum foil if you prefer soft skin. This step is essential to allow the juices to redistribute in the meat.

8. Serving
Serve the chicken alongside the roasted potatoes and a fresh salad for a refreshing contrast. You can add your favorite sauces or side dishes, such as yogurt sauce or coleslaw.

Useful tips

- If you want to add extra flavor, you can include some chopped olives or a bit of feta cheese in the filling.
- You can experiment with different herbs, such as rosemary or oregano, to customize the chicken's flavor.
- Make sure the chicken is well-cooked but not dry. Use a cooking thermometer; the internal temperature should be 75 degrees Celsius.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use another type of cheese?
Yes, you can use goat cheese or mozzarella for a different texture.

2. How can I store leftover chicken?
Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or can be frozen for later use.

3. What can I accompany the meal with?
This recipe pairs well with a dry white wine or a fresh citrus cocktail.

Nutritional benefits

Chicken is an excellent source of protein, and cheese adds calcium and vitamins. Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber and antioxidants, contributing to a balanced diet.

Calories

A serving of chicken with potato garnish contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of oil used and the serving size.

I hope this recipe inspires you to cook a delicious oven-baked chicken and enjoy a meal full of flavor! Enjoy your meal!