Oven-baked chicken with sausages and tomatoes

Delicious Recipe for Oven-Baked Chicken with Sausages and Tomatoes

When it comes to family meals, few things are more comforting than a tender and flavorful oven-baked chicken, complemented by juicy sausages and flavorful tomatoes. This recipe will not only bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones but will also fill the house with enticing aromas, turning every meal into a celebration. Moreover, it is a simple recipe, perfect for those who want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

- 1 chicken (1.2 - 1.5 kg)
- 600 - 700 g thin fresh sausages
- 7 - 8 small tomatoes (preferably cherry)
- 50 g celery
- 50 g parsnip
- 3 - 4 green onion stalks
- a few sprigs of fresh parsley
- 2 - 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 20 ml olive oil
- a few cloves of garlic (3-4)
- 1 teaspoon steak seasoning
- 50 ml wine (optional, but recommended)
- salt, pepper, paprika to taste

Brief History

Oven-baked chicken with sausages and tomatoes is a recipe inspired by tradition, reflecting the art of family cooking. It is a perfect choice for weekend meals or holidays, with deep roots in family cuisine where fresh ingredients and varied flavors are highlighted. This combination of meat and vegetables not only offers a tasty dish but is also a healthy option, rich in nutrients.

Step-by-step Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

1. Wash the chicken: Start by thoroughly washing the chicken under cold running water. This step is essential to ensure that all dirt and impurities are removed.

2. Dry the chicken: Use paper towels to pat the chicken dry, ensuring it is well dried.

3. Spatchcock the chicken: Cut the chicken down the center of the back, opening it up but keeping it whole. This trick will help with even cooking.

4. Tuck the wings: Turn the tips of the wings back and trim excess fat from the breast.

5. Seasoning: Season the chicken on both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika, ensuring all flavors are well distributed.

Step 2: Preparing the Vegetables and Sausages

1. Cutting the vegetables: Cut the celery and parsnip into pieces about 2-3 cm. This will help with even cooking of the vegetables.

2. Preparing the sausages: Cut the sausages into spirals, which will allow the flavors to infuse into the chicken and vegetables.

Step 3: Assembling the Dish

1. Placing in the baking dish: Place the chicken, skin side up, in a deeper baking dish. Arrange the spiral sausages on top of the chicken.

2. Adding the vegetables: Distribute the celery, parsnip, chopped green onion, whole tomatoes, and tomato slices around the meat, as well as the whole garlic cloves.

3. Adding the liquids: Pour the oil, 700 ml of water, and ketchup into the dish, gently mixing to combine the ingredients.

Step 4: Baking

1. Oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat).

2. Initial cooking: Place the dish in the oven for 25-30 minutes.

3. Turning the chicken: Remove the dish from the oven, turn the chicken over, and place the sausages next to it. Add the whole tomatoes and a few slices on top.

4. Adding the wine: Pour the wine over the chicken and add the parsley leaves. Cover only the chicken with a piece of aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.

5. Final cooking: Leave in the oven for another 15 minutes, then remove the foil and leave in the oven for another 5-10 minutes, basting the roast with the sauce from the dish from time to time.

Step 5: Serving

1. Plating: Arrange the chicken, sausages, vegetables, and whole tomatoes on a large platter. Wrap the ends of the drumsticks in foil for an elegant presentation.

2. Garnishing: Decorate with lettuce, radishes, and fresh herbs.

Serving Suggestions

Oven-baked chicken with sausages and tomatoes can be served alongside a simple side of mashed potatoes or a fresh salad. Additionally, a yogurt sauce or a sweet mustard sauce would perfectly complement this dish. If you want to add a refreshing note, a glass of white wine or a citrus-based cocktail would go wonderfully.

Helpful Tips

- Choose fresh ingredients: Always use quality ingredients, preferably organic, for a more intense flavor.
- Try variations: Experiment with different types of sausages or add other vegetables, such as carrots or zucchini, to diversify the recipe.
- Check for doneness: Ensure the chicken is fully cooked using a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 75°C.

Nutritional Information

This recipe is an excellent source of protein due to the chicken and sausages, being rich in vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. Additionally, it contains healthy fats from the olive oil. One serving (approximately 200-250 g) has about 450-550 calories, depending on the type of sausages and the amount of oil used.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of meat? Sure! This recipe can easily be adapted to pork or turkey.
2. How can I save time in preparation? You can prepare all the ingredients the night before and keep them in the fridge.
3. Can it be prepared in advance? Yes, you can assemble everything and leave it in the fridge to bake the next day.

I conclude with an encouragement to enjoy every step of cooking! This dish is not just a meal but an experience of bringing family and friends together around the table. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 1 chicken of 1.2-1.5 kg 600-700 g thin fresh sausages 7-8 small tomatoes 50 g celery 50 g parsnip 3-4 green onion stalks a few sprigs of parsley 2-3 tablespoons ketchup 20 ml oil a few cloves of garlic 1 teaspoon steak spices 50 ml wine salt, pepper, paprika