Cook Chicken Any Other Way with Baked Potato

When it comes to cooking chicken, this recipe from an Italian family is the absolute best. The combination of marinated chicken legs, crispy potatoes, and a tangy onion-tomato salad makes for a mouthwatering meal that you’ll want to make again and again.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

  • 8-10 chicken legs
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • Butter (for brushing)

For the Potatoes:

  • ~ 6 potatoes, peeled and cut into wedges
  • Vegetable oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Provençal herbs
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • ~ 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese

For the Coating:

  • 1 egg
  • 3 tablespoons sour cream
  • ~4 tablespoons breadcrumbs
  • ~4 tablespoons flour

For the Onion-Tomato Salad:

  • 1 red onion, thinly sliced
  • Salt and sugar, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar or dressing
  • 1 tomato, chopped
  • Some dill, chopped

Step-by-Step Directions

Prepare the Chicken

  1. Prep the Chicken: Cut off the skin and the lower part of the bone from the chicken legs. Make slits in the chicken legs to help the marinade penetrate.
  2. Marinate: In a large bowl, combine the chicken legs with minced garlic, soy sauce, vegetable oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let marinate for 30 minutes.

Prepare the Potatoes

  1. Season Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 180-190°C (356-374°F). Toss the potato wedges with vegetable oil, salt, pepper, Provençal herbs, minced garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
  2. Bake Potatoes: Spread the seasoned potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for about 30 minutes until golden and crispy.

Coat and Bake the Chicken

  1. Prepare Coating: In separate bowls, prepare the coating ingredients: beat the egg and mix with sour cream in one bowl, place breadcrumbs in a second bowl, and flour in a third bowl.
  2. Coat Chicken: Dip each marinated chicken leg first in the flour, then in the egg-sour cream mixture, and finally in the breadcrumbs.
  3. Bake Chicken: Place the coated chicken legs on a baking sheet. Brush with a little butter and bake for about 40 minutes at 180°C (356°F) until golden and cooked through.

Make the Onion-Tomato Salad

  1. Prepare Salad: In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced red onion with salt, sugar, mustard seeds, and balsamic vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes to pickle slightly. Add the chopped tomato and dill, and mix well.

Serve

  1. Serve: Serve the baked chicken legs with crispy potatoes and the onion-tomato salad on the side. Enjoy your delicious homemade meal!

Tips and Variations

  • Marinade Variations: Add a splash of lemon juice or some chopped fresh herbs to the marinade for extra flavor.
  • Cheese Options: Substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or another hard cheese if desired.
  • Vegetable Alternatives: Add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers to the baking sheet with the potatoes for a more varied side dish.
  • Salad Additions: Include some cucumber or bell pepper in the onion-tomato salad for additional crunch.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken, potatoes, and salad in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken and potatoes in the oven to maintain their crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken legs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts. Adjust the baking time as needed to ensure they are cooked through without drying out.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken and prepare the potatoes ahead of time. Bake them just before serving for the best results.

What can I use instead of sour cream for the coating?

You can use Greek yogurt or mayonnaise as a substitute for sour cream.

Conclusion

This Italian-inspired chicken recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The marinated and crispy-coated chicken, alongside the perfectly seasoned potatoes and refreshing onion-tomato salad, make for a satisfying meal that’s sure to impress. Follow these simple steps and enjoy a delicious homemade dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds!