Delicious Baked Chicken with Berries and Mint Marinade

This delightful baked chicken recipe offers a unique blend of **savory and sweet flavors**, making it a perfect choice for a special dinner. Featuring whole chicken marinated with a combination of sour berries like redcurrants or cranberries, aromatic herbs, and a touch of honey, this dish balances richness with zesty undertones. The juicy meat absorbs the sweet and tangy marinade, resulting in a succulent, flavorful bite with every mouthful. With a perfect balance of herbs like thyme and fresh mint leaves, the dish exudes an aromatic freshness. The recipe is simple to follow, making it suitable for both experienced cooks and beginners who wish to impress. Paired with black pepper and coarse mustard for a mild kick, it offers a satisfying complexity of taste. The golden-brown finish provides a visually appealing addition to your table. Baking the chicken ensures a tender and moist texture, while the berry marinade offers an exotic twist that will intrigue your guests. Ideal for both family dinners and festive gatherings, this **baked chicken with berries and mint** will surely become a favorite.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

1 whole chicken
200 g sour berries (redcurrants, cranberries, lingonberries, or blackcurrants)
80 g honey
80 ml oil

Spices and Herbs:

3 tbsp coarse mustard
6 sprigs thyme
8 sprigs mint
1 garlic clove
2 onions
Salt and black pepper to taste

Preparation Time

Total Time: 80 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

Prepare the Marinade: Finely chop the onions and crush the garlic. In a bowl, mix them with the crushed or blended berries.
Add thyme leaves and torn mint leaves to the mixture, followed by honey, mustard, and oil. Season with salt and black pepper.
Marinate the Chicken: Rub the prepared marinade all over and inside the chicken. Ensure it's well coated to absorb the flavors.
Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
Preheat the Oven: While the chicken is marinating, preheat your oven to 190-200°C.
Place the marinated chicken in a roasting pan. For added tenderness, consider using a roasting bag.
Bake the Chicken: Insert a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature. Bake until it reaches 75-90°C.
During the last 10 minutes of baking, remove any covering (like foil) to brown the skin.
The entire baking process should take between 40 minutes to 1 hour, depending on chicken size.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before carving.

Tips

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked.
Substitute honey with maple syrup for a different sweetness.
Try adding a splash of lemon juice to the marinade for an extra zing.

Nutrition

Calories: Approx. 320 per serving
Protein: 25g
Fats: 18g
Carbohydrates: 12g

Variations

For a spicy kick, add chopped chili or cayenne pepper to the marinade.
Use chicken breasts or thighs for a quicker cooking option.
Vegans can substitute chicken with a firm tofu or jackfruit.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with roasted or mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
Add a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad.
Garnish with fresh mint leaves before serving.

Best Places

La Bodega 1900 – A traditional Spanish bar offering exquisite tapas. Location: Carrer de Tamarit, 91, Barcelona, Spain.
Cafe de Paris – Renowned for its unique café culture. Location: 26 Rue de Buci, Paris, France.
The Ivy – Stylish setting with an international menu. Location: 1-5 West Street, London, UK.
Balthazar – A charming brasserie with classic French cuisine. Location: 80 Spring St, New York, USA.
Ottolenghi – Unique blend of Middle Eastern flavors in a cozy atmosphere. Location: 287 Upper St, London, UK.
Blue Hill at Stone Barns – Farm-to-table dining at its best. Location: 630 Bedford Rd, Tarrytown, USA.
Chez Panisse Cafe – Celebrates local ingredients with a lovely ambiance. Location: 1517 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, USA.
Noma – Offers innovative Nordic cuisine with foraged ingredients. Location: Refshalevej 96, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Gaggan Anand – Known for experimental Indian cuisine. Location: Soi Sukhumvit 31, Bangkok, Thailand.
Osteria Francescana – Michelin-starred Italian restaurant offering modern favorites. Location: Via Stella, 22, Modena, Italy.