Chicken with vegetables in the oven

Oven-Baked Chicken with Vegetables – a Savory and Healthy Recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 40-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 6

Here is a classic recipe for oven-baked chicken with vegetables that will not only fill the house with delicious aromas but also bring joy to the table. This recipe is perfect for family meals or special occasions, and its versatility makes it easy to adapt to everyone’s preferences.

The history of oven-baked chicken with vegetables is ancient, rooted in culinary traditions that emphasize slow cooking, where ingredients blend harmoniously, providing not only an intense flavor but also a perfect texture. By baking the chicken alongside the vegetables, you achieve a dish that is not only tasty but also nutritious, with a high content of protein and vitamins.

Ingredients:

For 6 people:

- 3 chickens (500-700 g each)
- 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon of hot paprika
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of dried coriander
- 1 red bell pepper
- 4-5 medium young potatoes
- 2 carrots
- 1-2 medium onions
- 1-2 fennels (optional)
- Coarse kitchen salt
- Freshly ground pepper

Preparation:

1. Preparing the chicken: Start by washing the chickens well under cold running water, ensuring you remove any impurities. It is important to keep the skin intact, as it will help retain moisture and flavor during baking.

2. Marinating the chicken: In a bowl, add the olive oil, sweet paprika, hot paprika, thyme, and dried coriander. Mix all the ingredients well to form a flavorful marinade. Use this marinade to coat the chickens, ensuring each piece is well covered. Let the chickens marinate for 15-30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate better.

3. Preparing the vegetables: While the chickens are marinating, wash and chop the vegetables. Cut the red bell pepper into quarters, the potatoes in halves, the carrots into rounds, the onions into quarters, and the fennel (if using) into slices. Place all the vegetables in a deep baking tray and drizzle with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the vegetables are evenly coated.

4. Assembling the dish: Once the vegetables are prepared, place a rack or baking tray above them. Arrange the marinated chickens on the rack, skin side up. This technique will allow the juices from the chicken to drip onto the vegetables, enriching their flavor and preventing them from drying out.

5. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the tray in the oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and the vegetables are tender. A great idea is to add a head of garlic cut horizontally among the vegetables, which, besides flavor, will add a wonderful aroma to the dish.

6. Serving: After the chicken and vegetables are ready, remove the tray from the oven and let the dish rest for a few minutes. Serve the chicken with vegetables on plates, adding a fresh salad on the side to complete the meal. You can drizzle with a little lemon juice for an extra touch of acidity.

Nutritional benefits and useful tips:

This oven-baked chicken with vegetables is not only tasty but also very healthy. Chicken is an excellent source of protein, essential for developing and maintaining muscle mass, while the vegetables are full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, promoting healthy digestion. Olive oil, rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, contributes to heart health.

To adapt this recipe, you can experiment with different vegetables, such as zucchini, cauliflower, or broccoli, depending on the season and preferences. You can also try different combinations of spices, such as rosemary or oregano, to give a personalized touch to the dish.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken, but the baking time will be shorter, so you need to be attentive to the cooking level.

2. What other spices can I use?
You can add spices like marjoram, basil, or even curry to change the flavor profile.

3. How can I make the dish spicier?
Add fresh chopped chili or chili flakes to the marinade.

4. What side dish pairs best?
Rice or quinoa are excellent side dishes that absorb the delicious juices from the chicken and vegetables.

5. How can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. They can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

This oven-baked chicken with vegetables recipe is not just a delicious meal but also a flavorful and textured experience. I encourage you to try it and adapt it to your tastes. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 6 people, 3 chicken pieces of 500-700g, 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika + 1 hot, 1 teaspoon of thyme, 1 teaspoon of dried coriander, vegetables - 1 bell pepper, 4-5 medium young potatoes, 2 carrots, 1-2 suitable onions cut into quarters, 1-2 fennels cut into quarters, thick kitchen salt, freshly ground pepper.