This delicious baked chicken with vegetables recipe is perfect for family gatherings or special occasions. With tender chicken breast and drumsticks paired with a savory vegetable mix, it’s a comforting and flavorful meal that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table. The simple yet vibrant sauce brings all the ingredients together, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. The best part? It’s easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite spices.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the chicken and vegetables:

1 kg chicken breast meat

1 kg chicken drumsticks
4 tomatoes
1 onion

1 head of garlic
6 black peppercorns
4 capsicum peppers

3 potatoes
1 tablespoon of butter
Spices to taste (paprika, thyme, etc.)

For the sauce:

1 tablespoon of tomato paste
1 glass of olive oil

1 glass of water
1 tablespoonful of salt
Additional spices of your choice (e.g., cumin, paprika, black pepper)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Preparation:
- Begin by washing the chicken breast and drumsticks thoroughly and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Peel the potatoes and cut them into thick slices. Dice the tomatoes, onion, and capsicum peppers into medium-sized chunks.
- Separate the garlic head into individual cloves, but keep them unpeeled.
Seasoning the Chicken:
- Rub the chicken breasts and drumsticks with salt and your preferred spices. Paprika, thyme, and black pepper are great options. Set the seasoned chicken aside.

Prepare the Vegetable Layer:
- Spread the potato slices on the bottom of a large baking dish.
- Add the diced tomatoes, onions, capsicum peppers, and garlic cloves on top of the potatoes. Sprinkle the black peppercorns over the vegetables.

Assemble the Dish:
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts and drumsticks on top of the vegetable mixture.
- Dot the vegetables and chicken with small pieces of butter for extra flavor and moisture.

Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix the tomato paste with olive oil, water, and a tablespoon of salt. Whisk until smooth, then pour the sauce evenly over the chicken and vegetables in the baking dish.
- If you like, you can also add more spices to the sauce for an extra kick.

Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F).
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 1.5 hours. After the first hour, remove the foil and allow the chicken to brown on top during the remaining 30 minutes.

Final Touch:
- Once the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender, remove the dish from the oven.
- Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Cooking Tips:

Marinating the Chicken: If you have time, marinate the chicken for a few hours or overnight for even more flavor.
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add or swap vegetables. Zucchini, carrots, or even eggplants would work wonderfully in this recipe.
Spice it Up: Add a dash of chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce for a spicy version of the dish.

Storage:

Refrigeration: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Ensure the chicken is completely cooled before placing it in a freezer-safe container.
Reheating: Reheat the dish in the oven or microwave, ensuring that it’s heated through properly.

Nutritional Facts (per serving):

Calories: 450-500 kcal
Protein: 40-45g
Fat: 20-25g

Carbohydrates: 20-25g
Fiber: 4-5g

FAQs:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks?
- Yes, chicken thighs work just as well in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure the thighs are cooked through.
What other vegetables can I add?
- Carrots, zucchini, or eggplant would be great additions to this dish. Just ensure the vegetables are cut into appropriate sizes to cook evenly.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
- Absolutely! Simply omit the butter or replace it with a dairy-free alternative like olive oil.
How can I prevent the chicken from drying out?
- Covering the dish with foil during baking helps retain moisture. If the chicken appears dry, you can also baste it with its juices halfway through cooking.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

Conclusion:

Baked chicken with vegetables is the epitome of comfort food, offering a wholesome meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrients. The combination of tender chicken, roasted vegetables, and a rich tomato-based sauce makes this dish a crowd-pleaser for family dinners or gatherings. It’s easy to customize with different vegetables or spices, making it suitable for a variety of tastes. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal that simplifies both the preparation and the clean-up process. Try this recipe, and enjoy a delicious, hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion!