Tasty chicken (no frying)

Delicious Oven-Baked Chicken with French Fries and Fresh Salad

Are you tired of fried foods and looking for a delicious, quick, and healthy recipe? Then the oven-baked chicken with French fries is exactly what you need! This dish is not only tasty but also easy to make, perfect for a family dinner or to impress friends. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, and baking takes 60 minutes, giving you a total of 75 minutes until a delicious meal for 4 servings.

Required Ingredients:

For the chicken:
- 800 g boneless chicken thighs
- 4 medium potatoes (about 600 g), cut into fries
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon curry
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the salad:
- 3 large ripe tomatoes
- 1 cucumber
- 1 red onion
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- salt, to taste

Nutritional Information and Calories:
This recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious. The chicken thighs provide essential proteins, while the potatoes are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates. Additionally, the fresh salad adds an important intake of vitamins and minerals, making this dish nutritionally balanced. One serving (about 250 g) contains approximately 400-450 calories, depending on the oil used and the portion of salad.

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the oven and the tray: Preheat the oven to 200°C (or 180°C for electric ovens). Prepare a baking tray and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate cleaning.

2. Seasoning the meat: In a large bowl, add the chicken thighs. Sprinkle garlic powder, chili, curry, basil, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper over them. Pour in the 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix well until each piece of meat is evenly coated with spices. This step is essential as the spices will give flavor to the chicken.

3. Preparing the potatoes: Peel the 4 potatoes and cut them into thin strips (fries). Add them to the same bowl and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a few drops of olive oil. Mix well to ensure all strips are coated with spices.

4. Assembling in the tray: Place the chicken thighs and potatoes in the prepared tray, ensuring they are not overlapping for even baking. It is recommended to arrange them in a single layer to achieve a golden and crispy crust.

5. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and let it bake for 60 minutes. During this time, the delicious aroma of the meat and potatoes will fill the entire house. You can check occasionally if they are ready, but do not open the oven door too often to avoid losing heat.

6. Preparing the salad: About 10 minutes before the chicken is ready, prepare the salad. Cut the tomatoes, cucumber, and onion into cubes. In a large bowl, combine the vegetables with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and salt, mixing well. The salad will add freshness and balance the savory taste of the chicken and potatoes.

7. Serving: Once the chicken and potatoes are ready, remove the tray from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. You can arrange the chicken and potatoes on a platter alongside the fresh salad. A unique serving suggestion is to add a few fresh parsley leaves or a slice of lemon for an extra splash of color and flavor.

Variations and Useful Tips:
- You can experiment with different spices according to your preferences. For example, add a pinch of smoked paprika for a more intense flavor.
- If you want a spicier version, add more chili or a few slices of fresh chili pepper to the meat mixture.
- Instead of potatoes, you can use vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or cauliflower, cut to similar sizes.
- This recipe pairs excellently with a dry white wine or a refreshing lemonade, which will perfectly complement the flavors of the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, but the baking time will be shorter. Check the meat after 40-45 minutes.
2. How can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. You can reheat in the oven or microwave.
3. Is this dish suitable for diets?
Yes, it is a low-fat and high-protein recipe, ideal for a balanced diet.

With this recipe for oven-baked chicken with French fries, you will not only impress with flavor but also offer a healthy dish, perfect for any occasion. Whether it's a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish will surely become everyone's favorite! Enjoy your meal!