Oven-baked chicken with yogurt sauce

Oven-baked chicken with yogurt sauce and couscous side – A simple and delicious recipe

If you're looking for a quick and healthy recipe that is also full of flavor, you've come to the right place! This oven-baked chicken recipe with yogurt sauce and couscous side is not only easy to prepare, but it also represents an excellent dietary choice. Whether you enjoy it for lunch or dinner, every bite will transport you to a world of flavors and textures.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 55-60 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the chicken:
- 4 chicken drumsticks
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable seasoning (or special seasoning for chicken)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, sunflower oil, or corn oil (choose your favorite)

For the yogurt sauce:
- 300 g 2% fat yogurt
- A pinch of salt (to taste)
- 2 cloves of garlic (or more, depending on preference)
- A handful of fresh parsley (or dill)

For the couscous:
- 1 cup couscous
- 2 cups chicken/vegetable broth or hot water
- 1 cube of butter or 2 tablespoons of oil
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Step-by-step preparation

1. Preparing the chicken:
Start by washing the chicken drumsticks well under cold water, then place them in a baking dish. Drizzle with oil and season evenly with vegetable seasoning, paprika, pepper, and thyme. Use a silicone brush to ensure all the spices are evenly distributed. This step is essential for achieving delicious and flavorful chicken.

2. Baking the chicken:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the dish with chicken in the preheated oven and let it cook for 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken turns golden and crispy. It’s a good idea to turn the drumsticks halfway through the baking time to ensure they brown evenly.

3. Preparing the couscous:
In a bowl or pot, place the cup of couscous. Boil two cups of chicken broth or water and pour it over the couscous. Add a teaspoon of vegetable seasoning or a concentrated chicken cube and a cube of butter or oil. Cover with a lid and let it swell for about 5 minutes. After the time has expired, use a fork to fluff the couscous and aerate it.

4. Preparing the yogurt sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the yogurt with the chopped parsley and crushed garlic cloves. Season with salt to taste. This sauce is so easy to prepare, but it adds a fresh and delicious touch to your dish.

5. Cooking the vegetables:
If you want to add some vegetables, you can prepare steamed broccoli, baby carrots, asparagus, or eggplant. These will bring extra nutrients and color to your dish. Steaming the vegetables preserves vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy choice.

6. Assembling the dish:
Once the chicken is ready, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve the chicken alongside the fluffy couscous, add the cooked vegetables, and drizzle the yogurt sauce on top. A garnish of fresh parsley on top will add a touch of freshness and an attractive appearance.

Practical tips

- Choosing the meat: If you want a lighter dish, you can replace the chicken drumsticks with chicken breast or boneless thighs. These cook faster and have a lower fat content.
- Variations: You can experiment with different spices according to your preferences. A combination of Provençal herbs or Moroccan spices can add an exotic flavor.
- Serving: This dish pairs wonderfully with a glass of dry white wine or a refreshing mint iced tea. Additionally, a fresh green salad on the side can perfectly complement the meal.

Nutritional information

This recipe is rich in protein due to the chicken and contains complex carbohydrates from the couscous, thus providing a balanced meal. The yogurt sauce adds a note of probiotics, beneficial for digestion. The entire meal is low in calories, with approximately 400-500 calories per serving.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I replace couscous with something else?
Yes, you can use quinoa or rice. Both options are healthy and prepare similarly.

2. What vegetables would go well with this dish?
Almost any steamed vegetable will work! You can choose seasonal vegetables to add variety.

3. How can I make the yogurt sauce spicier?
Add a few chili flakes or a splash of Sriracha sauce for a spicier sauce.

Now that you have all the necessary information, it's time to start cooking! This oven-baked chicken recipe with yogurt sauce and couscous is not only simple but also an explosion of flavors that will make you come back to it again and again. Enjoy your meal!