Gardener Chicken

Gardener's Chicken - A Culinary Experience Full of Flavors and Textures

Who can resist a dish that brings together the juiciness of chicken, the fresh flavors of vegetables, and a delicious sauce? Gardener's Chicken is more than just a meal; it's a celebration of tastes and colors, perfect for a family dinner or a comforting lunch on cool days. In this recipe, I will guide you step by step to create a delicious dish full of flavor that will impress any guest.

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:

For the chicken:
- 1.5 kg of chicken (breast and thighs, preferably with skin for extra flavor)
- 1 kg of potatoes
- Coarse salt, to taste
- 1 tablespoon of hot pepper paste (or to taste)
- 1 lemon (juice and grated peel)
- Thyme, oregano, mint (1 teaspoon each)
- 1 head of garlic (about 10-12 cloves)
- 50 ml of grape seed oil (or olive oil)
- 1 teaspoon of honey
- 200 ml of water

For the sauce:
- 1 kg of tomatoes (fresh, ripe, or canned)
- 2 sweet red bell peppers
- 100 g of green olives (pitted)
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
- 50 ml of lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 small onion

Preparing Gardener's Chicken:

1. Making the garlic mayonnaise: Start by peeling and crushing the garlic. You can use a mortar or a food processor to make a fine paste. Mix the garlic with a pinch of salt and 50 ml of grape seed oil until it becomes a smooth emulsion. This will be the base of your flavored mayonnaise.

2. Preparing the chicken: Wash the chicken well under cold running water, then dry it with paper towels. Generously coat it with the prepared garlic mayonnaise, ensuring it reaches everywhere, including between the skin and the meat. This step is essential for infusing the chicken with garlic flavors.

3. Seasoning: Grate the lemon peel from one lemon and sprinkle it evenly over the chicken, then add the hot pepper paste, thyme, oregano, and mint. Drizzle everything with freshly squeezed lemon juice. Let the chicken absorb the flavors for 15-20 minutes.

4. Preparing the potatoes: Peel the potatoes and make a few cuts on their surface to allow the flavors to penetrate. Boil them in a pot of salted water for 3 minutes, then remove and let them cool slightly. This method will help the potatoes bake evenly.

5. Baking: Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Place the chicken in a greased baking tray and add the water around it. Put the tray in the oven and let it bake for 45 minutes. With 30 minutes left, brush the chicken with a teaspoon of honey to give it a golden and delicious glaze.

6. Finishing the potatoes: In a separate tray, place the potatoes and drizzle them with olive oil, salt, and herbs. Bake them in the oven for 30 minutes or until golden and crispy.

Preparing the fresh sauce:

1. Chopping the vegetables: Chop the tomatoes, bell peppers, and onion finely. Add the green olives, chopped dill, and season with olive oil, salt, and lemon juice. Mix well to combine the flavors.

2. Chilling the sauce: Let the sauce sit in the refrigerator for 20 minutes before serving, so the flavors meld together.

Serving:

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve it alongside the roasted potatoes and fresh sauce. Add a personal touch by sprinkling freshly ground pepper or a few fresh basil leaves.

Tips and Tricks:

- For juicier chicken, you can marinate it overnight in the garlic mayonnaise mixture.
- You can also add other vegetables, such as carrots or zucchini, to the tray with the chicken to create a complete and colorful dish.
- If you prefer a spicier sauce, add a few slices of fresh chili pepper to your sauce.

Nutrition and Benefits:

This Gardener's Chicken recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious. Chicken is an excellent source of protein, while the vegetables add essential vitamins and minerals. Potatoes, especially when baked, retain nutrients and provide complex carbohydrates necessary for energy. Dill and garlic also have antioxidant properties, benefiting heart health.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to fully thaw it before preparing.

2. What type of olives should I use?
Green olives are ideal for this sauce, but you can also use black olives, depending on your preferences.

3. Can I replace the potatoes with something else?
Sure, you can use zucchini or carrots as a healthy alternative to potatoes.

4. How can I store leftovers?
The chicken and sauce can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

This Gardener's Chicken is an excellent choice for a delicious and healthy dinner. Enjoy every bite and cherish the moments spent around the table!