Treat yourself and your loved ones to a hearty and flavorful meal with this Baked Chicken with Vegetables and Garlic Bread recipe. This dish combines succulent chicken marinated in kefir and spices, baked alongside seasoned vegetables, and is complemented by crispy garlic bread topped with fresh tomato bruschetta. It’s a full meal that promises to satisfy your cravings for something delicious and comforting. Follow these steps to create a wonderful dinner that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade:
- 6 chicken legs and 6 drumsticks
- 2 onions, sliced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons of Italian herbs
- 3 teaspoons of sweet paprika
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- 400 ml of kefir
Vegetables:
- 4 potatoes, sliced
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 200 g mushrooms, sliced
Garlic Bread:
- 1 baguette, sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- Olive oil
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Tomato Bruschetta:
- 400 g of tomatoes, diced
- A bunch of parsley, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Marinade:
- In a large bowl, combine chicken legs and drumsticks with sliced onions, minced garlic, Italian herbs, sweet paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour kefir over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Cover and refrigerate to marinate for 2 hours.
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F). Grease a baking sheet with oil.
- Place the marinated chicken on the baking sheet.
- Toss the sliced potatoes, carrots, and mushrooms in the remaining marinade and arrange them around the chicken.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the vegetables are tender.
- Prepare the Garlic Bread:
- Arrange baguette slices on a separate baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the slices with olive oil and bake in the oven at 200°C for 5 minutes.
- Remove from the oven, spread minced garlic and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, then return to the oven for another 5 minutes until crispy and golden.
- Prepare the Tomato Bruschetta:
- In a bowl, mix diced tomatoes, chopped parsley, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve:
- Serve the baked chicken alongside the roasted vegetables.
- Accompany with garlic bread topped with the fresh tomato bruschetta.
Tips for Success
- Marinating Time: For deeper flavor, let the chicken marinate overnight.
- Vegetable Selection: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for more variety.
- Serving Suggestion: This meal pairs beautifully with a light red wine or a crisp white wine.
Health Benefits
This meal is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Chicken provides high-quality protein, while the variety of vegetables delivers essential vitamins and minerals. The use of kefir in the marinade adds a probiotic boost, and the fresh ingredients ensure a meal full of natural flavors and health benefits.
Conclusion
This Baked Chicken with Vegetables and Garlic Bread recipe is perfect for those who love flavorful, nourishing meals that are simple to prepare yet impressive enough for any dinner table. Enjoy the harmonious blend of tastes and textures that this dish offers, and make your dinner times even more special.