Marinated chicken and oven-baked potatoes

Marinated chicken with oven-baked potatoes – a simple yet flavorful recipe, perfect for family meals or a cozy dinner. This dish combines the rich flavors of chicken with the creamy texture of potatoes, all cooked together to create a memorable culinary experience.

Preparation time: 30 minutes (plus marination)
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the marinade:
- 5 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- Dried thyme (to taste)
- Rosemary (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)

For the chicken and sides:
- 1 whole chicken thigh
- 1/2 chicken breast
- 8 potatoes (preferably white or yellow)
- 2 large onions
- 5 cloves of garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 400 ml chicken broth (or water)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preparing the meat:
Start by washing the chicken well under cold running water. Cut it into larger pieces to ensure even cooking. You can use a whole chicken thigh and a bit of chicken breast, but feel free to choose any part you prefer. Make sure all pieces are similar in size for even cooking.

2. Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix all the marinade ingredients: tomato paste, olive oil, honey, mustard, soy sauce, thyme, rosemary, and pepper. This marinade will add a delicious flavor to the meat and help tenderize it. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and ensure they are evenly coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, you can marinate them overnight for an even more intense flavor.

3. Preparing the potatoes:
Meanwhile, peel the potatoes and cut them into thicker strips. The strips should not be too thin to avoid drying out during baking. Season them with salt, pepper, and dried thyme, mixing well to ensure they are evenly coated.

4. Assembling the dish:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (moderate heat). In a large baking dish, place the chicken pieces removed from the marinade, keeping the marinade to use later. Add the potatoes in the remaining free spaces in the dish. Add the julienned onions and sliced garlic cloves. These vegetables will add flavor and contribute to the moisture of the dish.

5. Cooking:
Drizzle everything with 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil and add the chicken broth or water, just enough to lightly cover the bottom of the dish. This will help cook the ingredients evenly and create a delicious sauce. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue cooking for another 30 minutes, occasionally basting the meat with the sauce from the dish to keep it juicy.

6. Serving:
When the chicken is nicely browned and the potatoes are tender, remove the dish from the oven. Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. It is delicious served warm, alongside pickles or a fresh salad. You can also add a slice of fresh bread to enjoy the delicious sauce from the dish.

Practical Tips

- Variations: You can experiment with different spices and herbs in the marinade. For example, adding chili flakes can give a bit of heat. You can also substitute the potatoes with carrots or zucchini, depending on your preferences.
- Calories and Nutritional Benefits: A serving of marinated chicken with oven-baked potatoes contains approximately 450-500 calories, depending on the portion size and amount of oil used. It is a meal rich in proteins and carbohydrates, providing energy and essential nutrients. Onions and garlic add additional benefits, contributing to cardiovascular health.
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use other types of meat? Yes, this recipe also works great with pork or turkey.
- What can I do if I don’t have tomato paste? You can use fresh or canned tomatoes, but you will need to adjust the amount of oil and honey to compensate for the acidity.
- Can I prepare this recipe in advance? Yes, you can marinate the chicken a day ahead and cook it when you are ready.

Combining with Other Recipes

This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a yogurt sauce with mint, adding a refreshing contrast. Additionally, a serving of rice or a quinoa salad can elevate the meal into an even more complex culinary experience.

Personal Note

This marinated chicken with oven-baked potatoes recipe reminds me of Sunday family meals, where the aroma of slowly cooked meat filled the entire house. It is a dish that brings people together and brings smiles to the faces of loved ones. I hope it brings you the same moments of joy!

Try this simple and delicious recipe, and the result will surely surprise you. Bon appétit!