Are you tired of complicated recipes and endless cleanup? Craving a healthy and flavorful dinner that comes together quickly? Then look no further! This oven bag chicken recipe is your answer. This simple method delivers juicy, tender chicken every time, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor. It's perfect for busy weeknights, and easily adaptable to your favorite tastes. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 whole (about 3-4 pounds) chicken, or 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large oven bag
Instructions:
Get Started: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your chicken cooks evenly and reaches the perfect temperature.
Prepare the Vegetables: While the oven heats, prepare your vegetables. Chop the onion, carrots, and celery into bite-sized pieces. Mincing the garlic adds a potent aromatic punch to the dish.
Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up nicely. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the chicken, ensuring it's evenly coated.
Assemble in the Oven Bag: Place the chopped vegetables in the bottom of the oven bag. Carefully place the seasoned chicken on top of the vegetables. Secure the oven bag with the provided tie, making sure it's tightly closed to prevent leaks.
Bake to Perfection: Place the oven bag directly on a baking sheet (this catches any potential spills). Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure it's cooked through.
Rest and Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the oven bag from the oven. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird. Serve with the roasted vegetables and your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple green salad.
Tips for Perfect Oven Bag Chicken:
- Don't overfill the bag: Leave some space for the chicken to cook evenly.
- Prick the bag: Before placing it in the oven, make a few small pricks in the top of the bag to allow steam to escape. This prevents the bag from bursting.
- Use a meat thermometer: This is the best way to ensure your chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Variations:
- Lemon Herb Chicken: Add lemon slices and fresh herbs like parsley and oregano to the oven bag.
- Spicy Chicken: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Chicken with Potatoes: Add chopped potatoes to the vegetables for a complete one-pan meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of your chicken and the added ingredients. However, a general estimate for a 4-serving recipe is:
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 35-40g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
This oven bag chicken recipe is a fantastic example of easy recipes and healthy meals, perfect for busy weeknights. It delivers delicious dishes with minimal effort and cleanup. Enjoy this simple yet flavorful homemade cooking experience!