Baked chicken with cheese

Delicious Baked Chicken with Cheese and Gratinated Broccoli Recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Welcome to the world of flavors! Today, I will present to you a savory recipe for Baked Chicken with Cheese, accompanied by gratinated broccoli that will delight your meal. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also offers a perfect combination of proteins, vitamins, and delicious tastes. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet refined dish!

A bit of culinary history: Chicken thighs are a popular choice in many cultures, having a juicy texture and rich flavor. Combining them with cheese adds a layer of creaminess that melts in your mouth, while broccoli, a superfood, complements this dish with essential nutrients.

Ingredients you need for Chicken with Cheese:
- 6 chicken thighs
- 2 medium onions
- 6 cloves of garlic
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 200 ml tomato puree
- 200 g grated cheese (preferably mozzarella or telemea)
- 8 tablespoons of margarine
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley

Ingredients for Gratinated Broccoli:
- 1 bunch of fresh broccoli
- 200 g sour cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 eggs
- 250 g grated cheese
- Margarine for greasing the baking dish

Step 1: Preparing the chicken thighs

Start by deboning the chicken thighs. If you don't feel comfortable with this technique, you can ask a butcher for help or use pre-deboned thighs. Season the thighs with salt and pepper on both sides. This step is important to ensure an even marination of the meat, which will taste delicious.

Step 2: Preparing the flavored sauce

Melt the margarine in a pan or microwave, then pour it into the baking dish where you will bake the chicken. Place the chicken thighs in the dish, making sure to coat them well with margarine on both sides. This will help achieve a golden and crispy crust.

Finely chop the onion and mash the garlic using a press. In a bowl, combine the onion, garlic, dried basil (1 teaspoon), chopped parsley, tomato puree, salt, and pepper. Use a spoon to evenly distribute the sauce over each chicken thigh.

Step 3: Baking the chicken

Preheat the oven to 200°C. Place the dish in the oven and let the thighs bake for 25 minutes. This step is crucial to achieve juicy and flavorful meat. After 25 minutes, remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle grated cheese over each thigh. Put the dish back in the oven for another 5 minutes, until the cheese melts and becomes slightly browned.

Step 4: Preparing the gratinated broccoli

Meanwhile, break the broccoli into florets and boil it in salted water for 6-7 minutes. This will help retain the vibrant color and nutrients. Drain the broccoli and let it cool slightly.

Grease a baking dish with margarine. Place the drained broccoli in the dish. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the sour cream and add the grated cheese, salt, and pepper to taste. Pour the egg mixture over the broccoli and place the dish in the oven at 190°C for 20 minutes, until a golden crust forms.

Step 5: Serving

When the chicken is nicely browned and the gratinated broccoli is ready, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve the chicken thighs with gratinated broccoli on the side. This combination not only looks appetizing but is also very nutritious.

Useful tips for a perfect result:
- Choose high-quality chicken thighs, preferably from local sources.
- If you like a spicier flavor, you can add chili flakes to the onion and garlic sauce.
- Instead of tomato puree, you can use tomato sauce or even ketchup for a sweeter taste.
- Broccoli can be replaced with cauliflower or asparagus, depending on your preferences.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, make sure the chicken is fully thawed before preparing it.

2. What type of cheese is best for this recipe?
Mozzarella or telemea cheese are excellent due to their texture that melts well.

3. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the thighs and broccoli a day ahead and reheat them on the day of serving.

Ideal pairings:
This dish pairs perfectly with a dry white wine or a light beer. Additionally, a fresh green salad with lemon will add a touch of freshness to your meals.

Nutritional benefits:
Chicken thighs are an excellent source of protein, essential for building muscles. Broccoli is rich in vitamins C and K, being a powerful antioxidant. This meal is not only delicious but also nutritious!

I hope you enjoy this dish and add it to your culinary repertoire. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 6 chicken thighs (upper part), 2 onions, 6 garlic cloves, salt, pepper, 200 ml broth, 200 g grated cheese, 8 tablespoons margarine, fresh parsley; Gratinated broccoli: 1 piece of fresh broccoli, 200 g sour cream, salt, pepper, 3 eggs, 250 g grated cheese, margarine to grease the heat-resistant dish;