Roast chicken

Oven-baked chicken with potatoes and vegetables - a heartfelt recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 4

I propose a simple and delicious recipe for oven-baked chicken with potatoes and vegetables, perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. This dish is not only tasty but also full of aromas and vibrant colors that will delight your eyes before enchanting your taste buds. Let’s dress the chicken in flavors and bake it until it becomes juicy and golden!

Recipe history

Oven-baked chicken recipes have their origins in traditional cuisine, where chicken was often prepared as a main dish during festive meals. This dish has evolved over time, enriched with various ingredients and cooking techniques. Today, it is one of the most beloved dishes, appreciated for its simplicity and the wide range of customization options.

Ingredients

- Chicken thighs (the quantity is up to you, but I recommend 4-6 thighs)
- 500 g of potatoes (you can also add zucchini for an extra note of freshness)
- 3-4 medium tomatoes (or cherry tomatoes for a sweeter taste)
- 4-5 cloves of garlic
- 1-2 red onions
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 2-3 tablespoons of dry white wine
- Olive oil (optional, for greasing the tray)

Step-by-step preparation

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by washing the chicken thighs well under cold running water. Remove any unhealthy parts or excess fat. Then, prepare the vegetables: peel the potatoes and cut them into quarters. If using zucchini, slice it into rounds. Wash the tomatoes and cut them into slices, and you can slice the onion thinly.

2. Assembling the tray
In a large tray, place the chicken thighs, cut potatoes, sliced tomatoes, and onion. Between the ingredients, add the garlic cloves sliced or whole, depending on your preference. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you wish, you can drizzle a little olive oil to enhance the flavors.

3. The wine and covering
Pour the white wine over the ingredients in the tray, ensuring it blends well with the other flavors. Cover the tray with aluminum foil to retain moisture and allow the chicken to cook evenly.

4. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat) and place the tray in the oven. Let it bake for 30 minutes. This step will help cook the meat and keep the juices inside.

5. Finishing the dish
After 30 minutes, remove the aluminum foil. Increase the oven temperature to 200°C (higher heat) and leave the dish in the oven for another 30 minutes. This step will allow the chicken to brown nicely, and the vegetables to become slightly caramelized.

6. Serving
When everything is browned and aromatic, take the tray out of the oven. Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. You can garnish with a little chopped fresh parsley to add a touch of color.

Useful tips

- For extra flavor: You can add spices like rosemary, thyme, or oregano, which pair perfectly with chicken and vegetables.
- Vegetable variations: Besides potatoes, you can experiment with carrots, bell peppers, or zucchinis, each bringing a unique note to the dish.
- The wine: Choose a quality dry white wine that will add depth to the flavor. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, you can use chicken broth or water with a little vinegar.
- The chicken: If you want a more diet-friendly option, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breast, but it will require more attention to avoid drying out.

Nutritional benefits

This oven-baked chicken recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious. Chicken thighs are an excellent source of protein, essential for building and maintaining muscle mass. Potatoes, rich in complex carbohydrates, provide energy, while the vegetables add vitamins, minerals, and fiber, contributing to a balanced diet.

Estimated calories: Approximately 400-500 kcal per serving, depending on the amount of oil used and the added ingredients.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can use pork or lamb, but the cooking time will vary depending on the type of meat.

- How can I tell if the chicken is cooked?
Chicken meat should have an internal temperature of 75°C. You can check with a cooking thermometer. Also, the juice that comes out of the meat should be clear, not pink.

- Can it be prepared in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare all the ingredients a day ahead and keep them in the fridge. An hour before you want to serve the meal, you can put the tray in the oven.

For a perfect dinner, serve this oven-baked chicken with a fresh salad or a portion of fragrant rice. You can accompany it with a glass of white wine or a refreshing lemonade, which will perfectly complement the dish's flavors.

Experiment with this recipe and let your creativity shine! Don’t forget to share your cooking moments with loved ones, as cooking is more than just an act; it’s an art that brings us closer together!