Mashed potatoes with oven-baked chicken

Mashed potatoes with roasted chicken

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Servings: 4

Welcome to my kitchen! Today I will share with you a delicious and comforting recipe: mashed potatoes with roasted chicken. This simple recipe is perfect for a family dinner, and the combination of creamy mashed potatoes and juicy chicken will surely win the hearts of your loved ones. Let's get started!

A brief history
Mashed potatoes are a classic dish with roots in European cuisine and are appreciated worldwide for their smooth texture and comforting taste. Roasted chicken, on the other hand, is a versatile dish that can be adapted in countless ways, from the spices used to the cooking methods.

Ingredients

For the mash:
- 4 medium potatoes (about 800g)
- 2 tablespoons of margarine
- 1-2 tablespoons of Delikat (or salt, to taste)

For the chicken:
- 1 whole chicken (about 1.5-2 kg)
- 1 cup of water (about 250 ml)
- 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Oil for greasing the tray

Necessary utensils
- A large pot for boiling the potatoes
- A mixer or potato masher
- A baking tray
- Baking paper
- A knife and a cutting board
- A spatula for mixing

Preparation steps

Step 1: Preparing the potatoes
Start by peeling the potatoes. Use a sharp knife to remove the skin. After peeling, wash them well under cold water to remove any impurities. Cut the potatoes into even-sized pieces, about 3-4 cm cubes, for even cooking.

Step 2: Boiling the potatoes
Place the cut potatoes in a large pot, cover them with water, and add a teaspoon of salt. It will take a few minutes for the water to come to a boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let them boil for 15-20 minutes or until they become tender (you can check with a fork).

Step 3: Preparing the chicken
Meanwhile, prepare the chicken. Cut it into pieces (if you don't have a pre-portioned chicken) and place it in a tray lined with baking paper. Moisten the paper with a little oil to prevent sticking. Season the chicken with salt and sweet paprika, distributing the spices evenly over all the pieces. Add the cup of water to the tray, which will help keep the juices during baking.

Step 4: Roasting the chicken
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the tray with chicken in the oven and let it cook for 45-50 minutes. Make sure to turn the chicken pieces halfway through cooking time for even browning. The chicken juices will contribute to the overall flavor of the dish, bringing a rich taste to the mashed potatoes.

Step 5: Preparing the mash
Once the potatoes are boiled, drain them and add the margarine and Delikat (or salt). Use a mixer or potato masher to turn them into a creamy mash. Mix well until you achieve a smooth and homogeneous texture. If you want an even softer mash, you can add a little warm milk or cream, depending on your preferences.

Serving
When the chicken is ready, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve generous portions of mashed potatoes on plates and top with pieces of chicken. This combination is perfect to be enjoyed alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables.

Practical tips
1. For a flavorful mash: You can add roasted garlic or herbs (such as dill or parsley) to the mash for an extra flavor boost.
2. For crispy chicken: At the end of the baking time, you can activate the grill function of the oven to achieve a crispy crust on the chicken.
3. Ingredient substitutions: If you prefer a healthier option, you can replace margarine with olive oil or butter.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use sweet potatoes? Yes, sweet potatoes can be a delicious and healthy alternative for the mash.
- How can I keep the chicken juicy? Make sure to add water to the tray and avoid opening the oven frequently, as this will allow steam to escape.
- What can I do with leftovers? You can turn leftover chicken into delicious salads or sandwiches.

Delicious combinations
This mashed potatoes with roasted chicken recipe pairs wonderfully with a dry white wine or a refreshing pale lager. Additionally, a cabbage salad or a green salad with tomatoes and cucumbers will add a pleasant contrast of texture and taste.

Calories and nutritional benefits
A serving of mashed potatoes with roasted chicken contains approximately 600 calories, making it a hearty and balanced meal. Potatoes are a good source of carbohydrates and vitamin C, while chicken provides quality protein, essential for a healthy diet.

I encourage you to try this recipe at home and share the result with your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!