Oven-baked chicken

Recipe: Baked chicken with vegetables and sage

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Welcome to your kitchen! Today, I invite you to prepare a baked chicken with vegetables and sage, a delicious dish that blends the natural flavors of fresh ingredients in a simple yet sophisticated way. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a special lunch with friends. Let's get started!

Recipe history:
Baked chicken is a classic in many culinary cultures, often associated with festive meals and times spent with loved ones. Whether for a special occasion or a simple Sunday, this dish always brings a touch of warmth and comfort. Choosing to use seasonal vegetables and aromatic herbs, such as sage, turns this dish into a real delicacy.

Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 1.5 kg)
- 100 ml olive oil
- 100 ml water
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- 1 tsp delikat (or other favorite seasoning)
- 2-3 tablespoons of root vegetables (carrot, parsley, parsley, parsnip, celery)
- A few fresh sage leaves
- Optional lemon slices for extra freshness

Directions:

1. Chicken preparation:
Start by washing the chicken thoroughly under a cold running water. Drain and pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess water. This step is essential to get a crispy crust in the oven.

2. Creating the spice blend:
In a large bowl, combine olive oil, water, sweet paprika, salt, pepper, and delikat. Mix the ingredients well until a smooth emulsion forms. Add the root vegetables, which you can use from the jar as I did. They will add not only flavor but also a splash of color to your dish.

3. Prepare the dish:
Use a heatproof casserole dish (I recommend a Roman dish). Place the clean, dry chicken in the pot, making sure to place it on its back. This will allow the juices to drain and distribute evenly.

4. Pouring the mixture:
Pour the spice and vegetable mixture over the chicken, making sure it is evenly coated. This way, the chicken will absorb all the delicious flavors as it cooks.

5. Baking:
Preheat the oven to high (about 220-240 degrees Celsius). Cover the pan with a lid or aluminum foil for the first 45 minutes of baking. This step helps to keep the chicken moist and cook the meat evenly.

6. Finalizing cooking:
After 45 minutes, remove the cover or foil and let the chicken continue to cook for 30 minutes at 210 degrees. During this time, drizzle the chicken occasionally with the oil in the roasting pan. This trick will help form a crispy and appetizing crust.

7. Adding the sage:
Five minutes before removing the chicken from the oven, score the breast with small incisions on both sides to allow the flavors to penetrate. Then add the chopped sage leaves on top of the chicken. The sage will give the chicken an unmistakable fragrance and a touch of freshness.

8. Serving:
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before carving. This step is essential to allow the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat juicy. Serve with seasonal side dishes such as mashed potatoes or grilled vegetables.

Practical tips:
- You can experiment with different types of spices such as minced garlic or fresh rosemary to customize your recipe.
- If you like a more intense flavor, you can let the chicken marinate in the spice mixture for a few hours or even overnight in the refrigerator.
- This baked chicken goes great with a dry white wine or refreshing lemonade.

Nutritional benefits:
Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, and the vegetables add fiber, essential vitamins and minerals. This dish is not only tasty but nutritious.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use thawed chicken?
Yes, it is recommended to use fresh or fully thawed chicken for even cooking.

2. What other vegetables can I add?
You can add bell peppers, zucchini or potatoes to diversify the garnish.

3. How can I store leftovers?
The leftover chicken can be refrigerated in an airtight container for 3-4 days or frozen to enjoy later.

I hope this recipe will inspire you to spend some quality time in the kitchen and enjoy a delicious dish with your loved ones! Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: We need a whole chicken, 100 ml of oil, 100 ml of water, a teaspoon of paprika, salt, pepper, a teaspoon of seasoning, 2-3 tablespoons of mixed root vegetables (I used those from the jar I prepared, which contained carrot, parsley, and parsnip root, celery leaves) and a few sage leaves.