OVEN-BAKED CHICKEN WITH POTATOES

Oven Roasted Chicken with Potatoes - A Savory and Comforting Recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 35 minutes
Servings: 4

If you're looking for a simple yet refined recipe that fills your home with enticing aromas and delights your taste buds, you’ve come to the right place! Oven roasted chicken with potatoes is an ideal choice for a family dinner, as well as for special occasions. This recipe perfectly combines the juiciness of the chicken with the fresh and delicious flavors of the potatoes, turning every meal into a celebration of tastes.

The history of oven roasted chicken is long, being a beloved dish in many cultures. Whether it’s a traditional recipe or a modernized one, oven roasted chicken has been, and will remain, an essential dish in our cuisine.

Ingredients

- 1 whole chicken (approximately 1.5 kg)
- 1 whole lemon
- Juice from half an orange
- 1 large glass of white wine (approximately 250 ml)
- 600 g potatoes (preferably new potatoes)
- 4-5 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Spices (tarragon, basil, thyme) - one teaspoon of each
- 1-2 cloves of garlic, chopped or crushed
- Half a teaspoon of cinnamon
- 2-3 tablespoons tomato paste

Step by step

1. Preparing the potatoes: Start by peeling the potatoes. Wash them well under cold water, then cut them into quarters. Boil them in a pot of salted water and add a sprig of basil for a subtle aroma. Boil for about 10 minutes, until they are slightly soft but not fully cooked. Drain and set aside.

2. Preparing the chicken: Wash the chicken under a stream of cold water and pat it dry with a paper towel. Place it in a large bowl and rub it with olive oil, ensuring every part is well coated. Season with salt, pepper, tarragon, basil, and thyme, plus a pinch of cinnamon for a surprising note. Add the chopped garlic and orange juice, mixing everything well.

3. Flavoring the chicken: Insert the whole lemon inside the chicken. This will release its aromatic juices during baking, giving the chicken a special flavor. Place the chicken in a baking dish and pour the remaining spice mixture over it, making sure it is evenly coated.

4. Baking the chicken: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the dish with the chicken in the oven for 45 minutes. During this time, the chicken will brown beautifully, and the aroma will fill the entire room.

5. Adding the potatoes: After 45 minutes, remove the dish from the oven and add the potato quarters around the chicken. Pour the sauce from the dish over the potatoes to give them the same wonderful flavor. Return the dish to the oven and let it bake for another 30 minutes, basting the chicken with the sauce from the dish occasionally to keep it juicy.

6. Finishing the dish: When the chicken and potatoes are browned and cooked, remove the dish from the oven. In a small bowl, mix the tomato paste with a little sauce from the dish and the remaining wine, then pour the mixture over the chicken and potatoes. Let it bake for another 10 minutes to intensify the flavors.

7. Serving: When everything is ready, remove the dish from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes. Then, remove the lemon from inside the chicken, discarding it as it has released its aroma. Serve with the roasted potatoes alongside, and for an extra touch of flavor, you can add a fresh salad of raw vegetables or grilled vegetables.

Helpful tips

- Choosing the meat: Make sure to choose a quality chicken, preferably raised naturally, to achieve juicy and flavorful meat.
- Variations: You can experiment with various herbs and spices, such as rosemary or oregano, to customize the flavor of the dish.
- The wine: The white wine can be replaced with a lighter red wine, but make sure it is a quality one, as it will influence the final taste.
- The potatoes: If you want a crunchier texture, you can brown them slightly in a pan before adding them to the dish.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use boneless chicken?
- Yes, but the baking time will be shorter. Check constantly to avoid drying out the meat.

2. How do I know if the chicken is cooked?
- Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should be 75°C (165°F).

3. What other side dishes go well with the chicken?
- Rice or sautéed vegetables are excellent choices, adding a splash of color and nutrients.

4. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
- You can marinate the chicken with the spices a day ahead and keep it in the refrigerator to intensify the flavors.

Nutritional benefits

Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, while potatoes provide complex carbohydrates and essential micronutrients. This recipe is rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy and satisfying choice for any meal.

Enjoy this oven roasted chicken with potatoes alongside your loved ones, savoring the enticing aromas and the wonderful moments spent together. The culinary journey doesn’t stop here; experiment with ingredients and techniques to create your own family recipes!

 Ingredients: 1 whole chicken, 1 whole lemon, juice from half an orange, a large glass of white wine, potatoes, olive oil, salt, pepper, spices, tomato paste, garlic, cinnamon