Chicken with vegetables in the oven
Oven-Baked Chicken with Vegetables – A Tasty, Healthy, and Easy-to-Prepare Recipe
In a world full of quick and complex recipes, oven-baked chicken with vegetables stands out for its simplicity and flavor. This recipe is not only an excellent choice for a family dinner, but it also offers an explosion of flavors that will transport you on a culinary journey. With accessible ingredients and a simple technique, you will create a delicious dish that will impress anyone.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Required ingredients:
- 2 chicken drumsticks
- 2 chicken thighs
- 2 chicken wings
- 1 leek
- 2 white eggplants
- 1 bell pepper
- 1 red pepper
- 2 large tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Spice mix: thyme and paprika (to taste)
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon of fresh oregano
- 5 tablespoons of olive oil
Step-by-step preparation:
1. Preparing the chicken: Start by washing the chicken meat well. Use a paper towel to dry it, ensuring it is dry. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika. These spices will not only add flavor but will also help create a delicious crust. Place the meat in a container and refrigerate for 30 minutes to marinate.
2. Frying the chicken: In a large pot, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and fry until golden and crispy on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for sealing in the juices and intensifying the flavors.
3. Preparing the vegetables: Once the chicken is fried, remove it from the pot and place it in a heat-resistant dish. In the same pot, add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil and let it heat up. Clean the leek, wash it, and cut it lengthwise to remove any dirt. Then, slice it into rounds. Add the leek to the pot and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent.
4. Adding the vegetables: Slice the garlic, red pepper, and bell pepper into thin strips and add them to the pot. Sauté all the vegetables together until they soften. Add the peeled tomatoes, diced. These will bring a fresh and tangy taste to the dish. Don’t forget to add the chopped parsley and oregano to enhance the flavors.
5. Assembling the dish: Place the vegetable mixture over the chicken in the heat-resistant dish. This will be the flavorful base of your dish. Now, let’s take care of the eggplants. Peel them, cut them into cubes, and sprinkle with salt to draw out excess water. In the pot where you fried the chicken, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and fry the eggplant cubes over high heat. Once ready, add them to the heat-resistant dish as well.
6. Baking: Cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Then, remove it from the oven, gently mix the vegetables with the chicken to combine the flavors, and cover again. Continue baking for another 30-40 minutes until the meat is tender and the vegetables are cooked.
Serving suggestions:
Oven-baked chicken with vegetables can be served alongside a fresh green salad or a portion of plain rice, which will perfectly complement the intense flavors of the dish. Additionally, a slice of fresh bread is ideal for savoring the delicious sauce created during baking.
Nutritional information:
This oven-baked chicken with vegetables recipe is not only tasty but also healthy. Chicken provides quality protein, while the vegetables offer a wealth of vitamins and minerals. A serving of chicken with vegetables has approximately 450 calories, depending on the amount of oil used and the portion served.
Possible variations:
If you want to add extra flavor, you can include some olives or mushrooms in the recipe. Also, for a spicy touch, try adding some chili flakes or hot sauce. Instead of eggplants, you can use zucchini or potatoes, adapting the recipe to your preferences.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of meat?
Of course! This recipe can also be adapted with turkey or even pork. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of meat used.
2. How can I store the dish for the next day?
The chicken with vegetables keeps excellently in the fridge in airtight containers. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave.
3. Is this recipe suitable for diets?
Yes, chicken with vegetables is an excellent option for a balanced diet, being rich in protein and fiber, thanks to the vegetables.
4. What drinks pair well with this dish?
A dry white wine or a fresh lemonade are excellent choices to complement the meal.
In conclusion, oven-baked chicken with vegetables is not just a simple and quick recipe, but also an opportunity to bring family and friends together at the table. Experiment with various ingredients and spices and make this recipe a favorite in your home! Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: 2 drumsticks, 2 thighs, 2 wings, 1 leek, 2 white eggplants, 1 bell pepper, 1 red pepper, 2 large tomatoes, salt and pepper to taste, spice mix: thyme and paprika, 4 cloves of garlic, 1 bunch of parsley, 1 tablespoon of fresh oregano, 5 tablespoons of olive oil
