Chicken on the tray

Oven-Baked Chicken with Mushrooms and Garlic Sauce

Oven-baked chicken is a classic and beloved recipe that brings Mediterranean flavors into every home. This simple and delicious recipe is perfect for a family meal or a gathering with friends. With every bite, you'll feel the warmth and comfort that only a meal cooked with love can provide. Here's how to prepare a succulent chicken, flavored with fresh herbs and served with a delicious garlic sauce.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 35 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:
- 1 large grill chicken (approximately 2.5 kg)
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped rosemary
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped thyme
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 100 g butter
- 500 g mushrooms (preferably champignon or forest mushrooms)
- 4-5 cloves of garlic (for the sauce)
- Water (approximately 250 ml)
- Peppers for decoration

Advantages of the recipe:
- Chicken is an excellent source of protein, and mushrooms add fiber and antioxidants.
- Baking retains the juiciness of the chicken and intensifies the flavors of the ingredients.
- It is an easy recipe to customize by adding other herbs or vegetables.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preparing the chicken:
Start by cleaning and washing the chicken well. Make sure it is dry before applying the butter and herb mixture. You can use a paper towel to remove excess water.

2. Preparing the butter mixture:
In a small pan, melt the 100 g of butter over low heat. Once the butter is completely melted, add the chopped fresh rosemary and thyme. Mix well to release the flavors of the herbs. Add salt and pepper to taste.

3. Coating the chicken:
Using a cooking brush or simply your hands, coat the chicken well both inside and out with the flavored butter mixture. Make sure the chicken is well covered to achieve a crispy and flavorful crust.

4. Preparing the mushrooms:
Clean the mushrooms and slice them thinly. You can use champignon mushrooms for a milder taste or forest mushrooms for a more pronounced flavor.

5. Preheating the oven:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. This moderate temperature will allow the chicken to cook evenly while retaining its juiciness.

6. Baking the chicken:
Place the chicken in a baking dish, breast side up. Add a cup of water (approximately 250 ml) to the dish to help maintain moisture. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and put it in the oven for about 45 minutes.

7. Adding the mushrooms:
After 45 minutes, remove the aluminum foil and add the sliced mushrooms on top of the chicken. Continue baking for another 30 minutes or until the chicken is golden and crispy. It is important to baste the chicken occasionally with the sauce formed in the dish to keep it juicy.

8. Preparing the garlic sauce:
While the chicken is baking, prepare the garlic sauce. Clean 4-5 cloves of garlic and crush them well. Mix them with a little salt and, if desired, you can add olive oil for a richer taste. You can dilute the sauce with a little water to achieve a more fluid consistency.

9. Serving:
Once the chicken is browned and cooked, take it out of the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. Serve the chicken warm, alongside the mushrooms and garlic sauce. You can decorate the plate with fresh peppers for a splash of color and freshness.

Serving suggestions:
This oven-baked chicken is delicious alongside a fresh salad or creamy mashed potatoes. Additionally, a side of rice or steamed vegetables can perfectly complete the meal.

Ingredient variations:
To add extra flavor, you can experiment with different types of herbs, such as basil or oregano, or you can add lemon slices on the chicken before baking for a citrusy note.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
It is recommended to completely thaw the chicken before cooking to ensure even baking.

2. How can I tell if the chicken is cooked?
Check the internal temperature of the chicken, which should be at least 75°C. You can use a meat thermometer to ensure this.

3. What other sauces can I serve with this chicken?
You can try a mustard and honey sauce or a flavored tomato sauce.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
This oven-baked chicken recipe is not only tasty but also nutritious. One serving (approximately 200g of chicken with mushrooms) contains about 350-400 calories, providing high-quality protein and essential nutrients. The mushrooms add fiber and vitamins, while garlic has excellent antioxidant properties.

This oven-baked chicken recipe is not just a delicious meal, but also an opportunity to spend time in the kitchen, experimenting with ingredients and techniques that will enhance your culinary skills. So get ready to impress everyone with this simple yet flavorful dish!

 Ingredients: 1 large chicken [2.5 kg] 1 tablespoon chopped rosemary 1 tablespoon thyme salt pepper 100 g butter 500 g mushrooms garlic sauce bell pepper for decoration