Roast chicken

Oven-baked chicken with garlic sauce - a classic recipe full of flavor and tradition!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Who doesn't love the aroma of tender chicken, perfectly browned with a crispy crust and a delicious garlic sauce? This oven-baked chicken recipe is not only simple but also extremely satisfying, with deep roots in gastronomy. So, get ready to discover the secrets of perfect oven-baked chicken with a garlic sauce that will make any meal shine!

Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 1.5 kg)
- 100 ml olive oil (or sunflower oil, as preferred)
- 3-4 ripe tomatoes
- 1 head of garlic (for the chicken and for the sauce)
- Spices to taste: salt, pepper, chili, basil, and rosemary
- For the garlic sauce:
- 1 head of garlic (peeled)
- A few sprigs of fresh dill
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons of sour cream

Preparing the chicken:
1. Start by preheating the oven to 200°C. Make sure it is well heated so that the chicken browns evenly.
2. Wash the chicken under cold running water and dry it with a paper towel. This step is essential for achieving a crispy crust.
3. Generously rub the chicken with oil, ensuring it is evenly covered on all sides. The oil will not only help with browning but will also add rich flavor.
4. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, chili, basil, and rosemary, making sure to massage the spices well over the entire surface of the meat. These flavors will penetrate the meat and give it a special taste.
5. You can make a few incisions in the meat and insert slices of garlic for added flavor. This simple trick will allow the flavors to penetrate even deeper.
6. Place the chicken in a baking tray, and around it, add the halved tomatoes and the garlic cloves (you can leave them unpeeled).

Cooking the chicken:
7. Place the tray in the preheated oven and let the chicken bake for about 1 hour. It is important to baste the chicken with oil from time to time (every 20 minutes) to prevent the meat from drying out and to encourage the formation of a golden, appetizing crust.
8. If you notice that the chicken is browning too quickly, you can cover the tray with aluminum foil to protect the meat.

Preparing the garlic sauce:
9. While the chicken is cooking, you can prepare the garlic sauce. In a bowl, crush the garlic cloves with a pestle or knife until you obtain a fine paste.
10. Gradually add the oil, mixing continuously to emulsify the mixture. Then, add salt, dill, and sour cream, mixing until you obtain a homogeneous paste.

Serving:
11. Once the chicken is beautifully browned, take it out of the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. This step allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat more tender.
12. Serve the chicken alongside the garlic sauce, and the baked tomatoes will add a sweet-sour note.

Serving suggestions:
This oven-baked chicken pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetable sides. You can also add a serving of mashed potatoes or wild rice to complete the meal.

Variations:
If you are looking for different flavors, you can experiment with spices such as curry or smoked paprika. You can also add oven-roasted vegetables like carrots or potatoes around the chicken for a complete meal.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
A serving of oven-baked chicken contains about 300-400 calories, depending on the amount of oil used and the servings. Chicken is an excellent source of protein, and garlic has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, providing additional health benefits.

Frequently asked questions:
1. How can I achieve a crispier crust?
Make sure the chicken is well dried before rubbing it with oil, and don’t forget to baste it with oil during cooking.

2. Can I use thawed chicken?
Yes, it is recommended to thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight to maintain texture and flavor.

3. What are the best spices for oven-baked chicken?
Salt, pepper, garlic, basil, and rosemary are classic combinations, but feel free to explore other flavors like cumin or oregano.

I hope this recipe inspires you to bring your creativity into the kitchen. Oven-baked chicken with garlic sauce is a wonderful choice for family meals or to impress guests. Enjoy your meal!