Baked Chicken and Potatoes served with Seasoned Rice
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Baked chicken and potatoes never get old. They’re one of those meals that just work. It is simple, hearty, and always comforting. Paired with some seasoned rice, it turns into a proper dinner that feels warm and filling without being complicated.
It does take a little planning ahead, mostly just making sure the chicken is thawed and cleaned in time. After that, the steps are really straightforward. I used a method for the rice that helps if you’ve ever struggled with getting one-pot rice just right. It is layered instead, which makes it easier to manage and still full of flavour.
The potatoes roast under the chicken and soak up all the good stuff from the marinade. They turn out soft on the inside and golden on the edges. I finished everything off with a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds and a handful of rocket microgreens. Not necessary, but they add a nice fresh touch and really brighten the plate.
Honestly, it’s one of those meals that makes you feel like you’ve made something special, making it great for any occasion.
For best results, start your prep the night before. If you can clean and marinate the chicken ahead of time or early in the morning, it will make the cooking process much easier. Or space out the work throughout your day.
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Clean and slit the chicken drumsticks.
Step 2: Marinate
In a large bowl, add tomato paste, garlic, and your choice of mixed seasoning to the chicken.
Step 3: Coat with Oil
Add a small amount of oil and mix thoroughly to coat the chicken in the marinade.
Step 4: Refrigerate
Cover the bowl and leave the chicken to marinate in the fridge overnight, or for at least one hour.
Step 5: Prep the Potatoes
While the chicken is marinating, peel and dice potatoes into large cubes.
Step 6: Assemble the Tray
Remove the chicken from the fridge. In one oven-safe tray, add the potatoes and thoroughly coat them with the leftover marinade. Place the chicken on top of the potatoes.
Step 7: First Bake
Cover the tray with aluminium foil and place it in the oven. This will allow the chicken and potatoes to cook through gently.
Step 8: Uncover and Brown
Midway through cooking, remove the foil. Allow the chicken and potatoes to brown and roast until done, checking occasionally.
Step 9: Parboil the Rice
While the chicken is roasting, wash and boil 2 cups of rice. Do not let the rice cook all the way through, parboil only.
Step 10: Sauté the Base
In a separate pot, heat some oil over medium heat. Add onions, tomato paste, garlic, and salt.
Step 11: Add Fresh Ingredients
Once the onions have softened, add chopped tomatoes and fresh cilantro.
Step 12: Combine with Rice
Drain the parboiled rice and gently fold it into the onion-tomato mixture. Mix carefully to avoid breaking the grains.
Step 13: Steam the Rice
Add a small splash of water, cover the pot, and let the rice steam on low to medium heat until fully cooked.
Step 14: Plate and Serve
Take the chicken and potatoes out of the oven and plate with the spiced rice.Hope this turns out well for you and صحة وعافية !
