Chicken with peppers and mashed potatoes

Chicken with bell peppers and mashed potatoes – A perfect Sunday recipe for a family meal

When it comes to Sunday meals, nothing compares to the delicious aroma of oven-baked chicken thighs, accompanied by creamy mashed potatoes. This recipe is not only simple and quick, but it also brings a touch of nostalgia, evoking pleasant childhood memories when family meals were filled with laughter and treats. So, let’s embark on a culinary journey and discover how we can prepare this savory dish!

Preparation time:
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 1 hour
- Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
- Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the chicken thighs:
- 4 whole chicken thighs (boiled)
- 1 red bell pepper
- Salt, pepper, paprika (sweet or hot, to taste)
- Thyme (fresh or dried)
- 60 ml tomato paste
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 5 tablespoons of water
- 100 g cheese (optional, for extra flavor)

For the mashed potatoes:
- 8 large, well-chosen potatoes
- 1 cup of warm milk
- 2 tablespoons of margarine (or butter, for a richer taste)
- Salt and seasoning (or another preferred spice)
- A little sugar (optional, to balance the taste)

Preparation steps

1. Preparing the chicken thighs
The first step in this recipe is preparing the chicken thighs. After boiling them, cut into 3 or 4 pockets with a sharp knife, depending on the size of the thigh. These cuts will allow the bell pepper to infuse with the meat's flavors during baking.

Tip: Choose chicken thighs with skin, as this will add a crispy texture and savory taste.

2. Seasoning
Season the thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika, ensuring that each pocket is well filled with spices. In a greased baking dish, place the chicken thighs and cover each thigh with a tablespoon of tomato paste. This step will bring an intense flavor and vibrant color.

3. Preparing the sauce
In a small bowl, mix the 5 tablespoons of water with the crushed garlic. Pour this sauce over the chicken thighs, then grate the cheese on top, followed by a sprinkle of thyme.

4. Baking
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in a preheated oven at 180°C. Let it bake for about an hour, or until the thighs are nicely browned and cooked through.

5. Preparing the mashed potatoes
Meanwhile, let’s take care of the mashed potatoes. Peel and cut the potatoes into quarters, then boil them in a pot of salted water. Once boiled, drain them and mash with a mixer or potato masher until you achieve a smooth texture.

6. Enriching the mash
Add the warm milk and margarine (or butter) to the potatoes, mixing well. Season with salt, seasoning, and, if desired, a pinch of sugar to enhance the flavors.

7. Serving
On a plate, place a serving of chicken thigh alongside a generous serving of mashed potatoes. For a more appetizing look, you can shape the mash like a staircase and drizzle a tablespoon of hot oil on top for added flavor. This dish pairs perfectly with beetroot or pickles, providing a delicious contrast.

Serving suggestions and variations
This recipe is extremely versatile and can be adapted to everyone’s preferences. Instead of chicken thighs, you can use chicken breast or even pork. You can also add vegetables like carrots or zucchini to enrich the dish.

Nutritional benefits
Chicken is an excellent source of protein, and mashed potatoes provide essential carbohydrates for energy. Additionally, adding vegetables like bell peppers brings an important supply of vitamins and antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use other types of meat?
Of course! This recipe is delicious with pork or turkey as well.

- How can I make the mash creamier?
Add more milk or cream for an even creamier mash.

- Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
You can prepare the chicken thighs in advance and let them marinate. Then, you can bake them when you’re ready to serve.

Conclusion
Now that you’ve gone through each step, you are ready to impress your family with this delicious chicken with bell peppers and mashed potatoes! This recipe is not just a simple dish; it is an opportunity to create memories and savor unforgettable moments with your loved ones. So, embrace the cooking process with passion, and the result will meet your expectations! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: Ingredients for chicken thighs: 4 whole chicken thighs (boiled) 1 red bell pepper salt, pepper, paprika, thyme cheese 60ml tomato paste 2 cloves of garlic 5 tablespoons of water Ingredients for mashed potatoes: 8 large potatoes 1 cup of warm milk 2 tablespoons of margarine (or butter) salt, seasoning, a little sugar