Grill the chicken in the oven!

Oven Grilled Chicken: A Delicious Recipe for Special Moments

Oven grilled chicken is a classic, easy-to-make recipe that combines rich flavors with a juicy texture, making it perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but will also fill your home with inviting aromas. Let's discover together how to prepare this delicious chicken!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Marinating time: 2-3 hours (ideal)
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

- 1 chicken (approximately 1.5 kg)
- Coarse salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- 1-2 tablespoons dried thyme
- 1-2 tablespoons dried rosemary
- 2-3 garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried sage
- 4-5 tablespoons grape seed oil (or other preferred oil)
- 4 medium potatoes
- 1 carrot
- 50 g butter
- 2 unpeeled garlic cloves (washed)

Recipe Story

Grilled chicken is a cooking technique that dates back to ancient times, used by generations. This method not only enhances the flavor of the meat but also allows for the development of complex aromas due to the slow cooking process. Additionally, cooking the chicken in the oven at high temperatures helps retain the juiciness of the meat, making it ideal for festive meals or for those ordinary days when you want to treat yourself.

Preparation Method

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

1. Cutting the chicken: Start by cutting the chicken into pieces. You can choose to keep only the wings, thighs, and breast, depending on your preferences, or leave it whole if you have more people at the table. Cutting the chicken facilitates even marination and faster cooking.

2. Marinating: Sprinkle coarse salt over all the chicken pieces. Make sure each piece is well coated. Then, place the chicken in a container and let it sit in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours. Marinating is essential to intensify the flavors and make the meat more tender.

Step 2: Preparing the Marinade

3. Preparing the spice mix: In a small bowl, crush 2-3 garlic cloves with a pinch of salt. This will help the garlic release its aroma. Add the grape seed oil, thyme, rosemary, basil, and sage, and mix well. Grape seed oil is an excellent choice for grilling due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor.

4. Coating the chicken: Take the chicken out of the refrigerator and coat it well with the prepared marinade, ensuring that each piece is evenly covered. Place it back in the fridge for about 1 hour. This step will ensure a perfect infusion of flavors.

Step 3: Cooking the Chicken

5. Preheating the oven: Preheat the oven to 220°C (high heat). This temperature will help achieve a crispy and delicious crust.

6. Preparing the grill: Place the chicken on the oven grill, leaving a tray of water underneath. The water will help maintain humidity in the oven, preventing the meat from drying out.

7. Cooking: Let the chicken cook for about 1 hour, turning it halfway through to brown evenly. You will notice how the skin becomes golden and crispy, and the aroma will fill the entire room.

Step 4: The Side Dish

8. Preparing the side dish: Peel the potatoes and carrot. Cut the potatoes into large cubes and the carrot into slices. Rub them with coarse salt and place them in a tray. Add a few pieces of butter and the unpeeled garlic.

9. Finishing: After 1 hour of cooking the chicken, remove the tray of water and replace it with the tray of the side dish. Continue cooking for another 30-40 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and slightly browned.

Serving

Once the chicken and side dish are ready, take them out of the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices in the meat to redistribute, ensuring a juicy texture. Serve the chicken alongside the roasted potatoes and carrots on a large plate, garnishing with a few fresh basil or parsley leaves for an extra touch of color and flavor.

Useful Tips

- Calories and nutritional benefits: This dish has approximately 350-400 calories per serving, depending on the portion of meat and oil used. Chicken is an excellent source of protein, while potatoes and carrots provide essential fiber and vitamins.
- Possible variations: You can experiment with different spices, such as smoked paprika or cumin, to add a touch of originality. You can also add various vegetables to the side dish, such as zucchini or onion.
- Frequently asked questions:
- *Can I use frozen chicken?* - It is recommended to use fresh chicken, but if you have frozen chicken, make sure it is completely thawed before marinating.
- *How can I check if the chicken is cooked enough?* - Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature of the chicken should be 75°C.
- *What drinks pair well with this dish?* - A dry white wine or a pale ale can perfectly complement the flavors of this grilled chicken.

This oven grilled chicken recipe is not only simple but also full of flavors, quickly becoming a favorite in your kitchen. Whether you are preparing a meal for family or a special dinner, this chicken will surely impress. So put on your apron, gather the ingredients, and enjoy a delicious dish!