A friend from Spain taught me how to cook this delicious chicken, and the secret is in the sauce. This recipe combines a flavorful seasoning paste with a variety of vegetables to create a hearty and satisfying meal. Follow these detailed steps to create a mouthwatering dish that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 medium onions
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1/2 red bell pepper
- 2 tomatoes
- Parsley to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 garlic cloves
- 1 zucchini
- 4 unpeeled potatoes
- 1 carrot
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
- Cut the Chicken: Start by cutting one whole chicken into pieces. This ensures even cooking and makes it easier to manage the portions.
- Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, add 1 tablespoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of sweet paprika, 2 tablespoons of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of oregano, and black pepper to taste. Mix these dry seasonings together.
- Coat the Chicken: Spread the dry seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken pieces, ensuring that all sides are well-coated.
Preparing the Seasoning Paste
- Blend the Vegetables: In a food processor, add two medium onions, one green bell pepper, 1/2 red bell pepper, two tomatoes, parsley to taste, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and six garlic cloves. Blend until the mixture forms a smooth paste.
- Add Paste to Chicken: Spread 4 tablespoons of the seasoning paste over the chicken pieces. Massage the paste into the chicken to ensure even coverage.
Preparing the Vegetables
- Chop the Vegetables: In a large bowl, chop one zucchini, four unpeeled potatoes, and one carrot into bite-sized pieces. This adds a variety of textures and flavors to the dish.
- Season the Vegetables: Add 5 tablespoons of the seasoning paste and a pinch of salt to the vegetables. Mix well to coat the vegetables evenly with the paste.
Baking the Dish
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Transfer the seasoned vegetables to a large baking sheet, spreading them out in an even layer.
- Add the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken pieces on top of the vegetables. This allows the juices from the chicken to drip down and flavor the vegetables as they cook.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Check the internal temperature of the chicken; it should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Grill Finish: For a crispy finish, turn on the broiler for the last 5-10 minutes of cooking. This will give the chicken and vegetables a nice golden brown color.
Serving
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the chicken and vegetables are cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This dish pairs well with a side salad or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.
Tips and Variations
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or sweet potatoes.
- Herb Enhancements: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil for additional flavor.
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a sliced jalapeño to the seasoning paste for a spicy kick.
- Marinade Time: For even more flavor, let the chicken marinate in the seasoning paste for a few hours or overnight before baking.
Nutritional Information
This dish provides a balanced combination of protein from the chicken and fiber, vitamins, and minerals from the vegetables. The olive oil adds healthy fats, while the herbs and spices enhance the dish’s nutritional profile.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the chicken and vegetables in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave, though the texture may not be as crispy.
This Spanish-style chicken with vegetable bake is a fantastic way to enjoy a flavorful and nutritious meal. The combination of a rich seasoning paste and a variety of vegetables creates a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Share this recipe with your friends and family to spread the joy of cooking. Enjoy this delightful meal, and see you in the next recipe!
This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet meal with minimal effort. Enjoy the rich flavors and comforting texture of this Spanish-style chicken and vegetables, a dish that’s sure to become a household favorite. Happy cooking!
