Oven-Baked Chicken with Potatoes

This delightful dish combines tender chicken with rich and flavorful potatoes, making it a satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. The potatoes are baked with a generous mix of garlic and salty bits of bacon, enveloped in the unique aroma that only fresh dill can offer. This recipe is straightforward to prepare, needing minimal ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen. The chicken is marinated with onions, salt, and your choice of vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice, ensuring that it remains juicy and succulent. The baking process melds the flavors beautifully, creating a dish that is both hearty and aromatic. Ideal for a family dinner or gathering with friends, this dish promises to satisfy both young and old. The preparation requires basic steps that are easy to follow, yet the outcome is a meal that's impressive and flavorful. By keeping these ingredients wrapped in foil, all the flavors are locked in, resulting in tender vegetables and perfectly cooked chicken. It's a comfort food classic that you'll want to make again and again.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 7-8 large potatoes
• 200-250 grams salted bacon
• Chicken drumsticks (quantity as preferred)
• 2 garlic cloves
• Dill for garnish

Spices and sauces

• Salt
• Potato seasoning (optional)
• Marinade: Onions, salt, vinegar (or lemon juice)

Preparation Time

• Total time: 90 minutes
  • Preparation time: 30 minutes
  • Cooking time: 60 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: Begin by marinating the chicken drumsticks. Mix sliced onions, a pinch of salt, and your choice of vinegar or lemon juice. Coat the drumsticks well. Let this marinate while you prepare the potatoes.
2. Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and slice the potatoes into smaller segments. Aim for uniform-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
3. Slice the Bacon: Cut the salty bacon into strips, which will be layered with the potatoes.
4. Assemble Potato Dish: Lay the potato pieces onto a large piece of foil. Sprinkle a bit of salt and add the bacon strips in between the potatoes.
5. Season with Garlic: Finely chop the garlic cloves and sprinkle over the potatoes.
6. Add Potato Seasoning: If you have potato seasoning available, sprinkle it over the potatoes and bacon.
7. Wrap the Foil: Carefully wrap the potato mix in two layers of foil to secure all the flavors inside. Ensure it's tightly sealed to avoid juices escaping.
8. Prepare The Chicken: Place marinated chicken drumsticks on another piece of foil, adding some sliced bacon for extra flavor.
9. Wrap the Chicken: As with the potatoes, wrap the chicken in foil, ensuring it's sealed tightly.
10. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F).
11. Bake the Dish: Place both the potato and chicken packages in the oven and bake for 1 hour.
12. Check for Doneness: After an hour, check the chicken and potatoes for tenderness. The chicken should be cooked through, and potatoes should be soft.
13. Garnish and Serve: Once removed from the oven, lightly sprinkle fresh dill over the potatoes for added flavor.
14. Unwrap Carefully: Carefully unwrap the foil to avoid any hot steam. Present the dish in their foil packages or transfer them to a serving dish.
15. Plate the Meal: Serve the baked chicken along with the potatoes, allowing each diner to enjoy the blend of flavors.
16. Stay Consistent: Ensure each guest receives a portion of the flavorful potatoes topped with dill.
17. Side Dishes: Consider serving with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
18. Final Checks: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, offering additional salt or pepper at the table.
19. Allow Resting Time: Let the dish cool slightly for 5 minutes to let the flavors settle before serving.
20. Enjoy the Meal: Encourage diners to savor the blend of textures and tastes, appreciating the juicy chicken with flavorful potatoes.

Tips

• Substitution: You can replace bacon with pancetta or omit for a lighter version.
• Extra flavor: Add chopped herbs such as rosemary or thyme to the potato mix for additional aroma.
• Foil wrapping: Ensure the foil is tightly sealed to keep all the moisture and flavors inside.
• Healthier Option: Use skinless chicken breast instead of drumsticks for a leaner meal.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 500 per serving
• Protein: 25g
• Fats: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 55g

Variations

• Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and bacon and add more vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.
• Spicy: Add a dash of chili flakes or diced chili for some heat.
• Herbed: Use a variety of fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary for a more herby taste.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a light cucumber and tomato salad.
• Pair with a glass of crisp white wine for a more elevated dining experience.
• Include a side of steamed broccoli or green beans for added nutrition.

Best Places

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