Oven Baked Chicken & Veggies

Oven baking has long been a popular method of cooking, and it's no surprise that it produces some of the best chicken dishes in modern times. The combination of gentle heat and even cooking allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in tender and succulent meat. In this article, we will explore the art of oven baking chicken with veggies, providing you with cooking tips, a comprehensive list of ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and even variations on the recipe to suit your taste. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends.

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Cooking Tips

To achieve tender and flavorful chicken, it's important to cook it low and slow. This gentle cooking method allows the meat to retain its juices and ensures that it cooks evenly. Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind:

Chicken Cooking Temperature Table

It's crucial to cook chicken to the right internal temperature to ensure it's safe to eat. Here's a handy table to guide you:

• Whole Chicken: 165°F (75°C)
• Chicken Breasts: 165°F (75°C)
• Chicken Thighs: 165°F (75°C)
• Chicken Wings: 165°F (75°C)

Other Tips

• Thaw the chicken completely before cooking to ensure even cooking.
• Rinse the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
• Consider marinating the chicken for a few hours or overnight to enhance its flavor.
• Season the chicken with salt and pepper before baking to add a savory touch.
• Choose fresh and vibrant vegetables to accompany the chicken for a colorful and nutritious meal.

Ingredients

Let's take a closer look at the ingredients that will elevate this dish to new heights:

• FFF Medium Whole Chicken: The star of the show, the whole chicken provides juicy and tender meat. Opt for a high-quality chicken for the best results.
• FFF Natural Smoked Bacon: Adding bacon to the chicken not only imparts a rich smoky flavor but also helps keep the meat moist during the cooking process.
• Russet Potatoes: These starchy potatoes lend a creamy texture to the dish, making it a satisfying and hearty meal.
• Carrots: Carrots add a touch of sweetness and vibrant color to the dish. They also provide a satisfying crunch when cooked to perfection.
• Yellow Onion: Yellow onions bring depth and a savory flavor to the dish. When roasted alongside the chicken, they become tender and caramelized.
• Celery: Celery adds a refreshing and crisp element to the dish. It complements the other vegetables and adds a subtle herbal note.
• Garlic: Sliced garlic cloves infuse the chicken with a wonderful aroma and flavor as it bakes. It adds a hint of pungency that balances well with the other ingredients.
• Italian Salad Dressing: Using Italian salad dressing as a marinade for the vegetables adds tanginess and a medley of herbs and spices. It brings the dish together and enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Salt and Pepper: These pantry staples are essential for seasoning the chicken and vegetables, bringing out their natural flavors.

List of Tools

To prepare this delicious dish, you'll need the following tools:

• Large/deep casserole baking pan: This will accommodate the chicken and vegetables comfortably, allowing them to cook evenly.
• Tin foil: Use it to cover the chicken while it bakes, ensuring that it stays moist and tender.
• Cutting board and knife: These are necessary for chopping the vegetables into medium-sized chunks.
• Measuring cup: Use it to measure the Italian salad dressing accurately.
• Oven mitts: Protect your hands from the heat when handling the hot pan.

How to Make Oven Baked Chicken with Veggies

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
2. Thaw out the whole chicken and rinse it under cold water. Make small cuts into the chicken and stuff the sliced garlic into the cuts.
3. Place the chicken in a large/deep casserole baking pan. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the chicken, ensuring it is evenly seasoned.
4. In a separate bowl, toss the cut potatoes, carrots, onion, and celery in the Italian salad dressing until they are well coated. If you prefer, you can substitute the dressing with olive oil and your choice of spices.
5. Arrange the marinated vegetables around the chicken in the baking pan.
6. Layer the chicken with the pack of smoked bacon. The bacon will provide additional flavor and help keep the chicken moist.
7. Cover the baking pan with tin foil, ensuring it is tightly sealed. This will help trap the moisture and juices, resulting in tender chicken.
8. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 2 hours. The low temperature allows the flavors to develop slowly and evenly.
9. After 2 hours, increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes or until the bacon becomes crispy and golden.
10. Once the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the bacon is crispy, remove the pan from the oven. Let the chicken rest for at least 20 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute and ensure maximum tenderness.

How to Store

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, make sure to warm the chicken and vegetables thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Variations on the Recipe

Feel free to experiment with different vegetables to suit your taste and preference. You can add bell peppers, zucchini, or even Brussels sprouts to the mix. Additionally, you can vary the herbs and spices in the Italian salad dressing or create your own marinade using your favorite flavors.

Questions and Answers

Q: Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
A: While bone-in chicken is recommended for this recipe, you can certainly use boneless chicken if you prefer. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as boneless chicken tends to cook faster.

Q: Is it necessary to marinate the vegetables?
A: Marinating the vegetables in Italian salad dressing adds flavor and helps them caramelize beautifully. However, if you prefer a more natural taste, you can skip the marination step and simply toss the vegetables in olive oil and seasonings of your choice.

Full Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 FFF Medium Whole Chicken
• 1 package of FFF Natural Smoked Bacon
• 2 large russet potatoes (cut into medium chunks)
• 3 large carrots (cut into medium chunks)
• 1 large yellow onion (cut into medium chunks)
• 4 celery sticks (cut into medium chunks)
• **And whatever other veggies you might want - use more or less of the suggested veggies above too.
• 3 cloves garlic (sliced)
• 1 cup Italian salad dressing of your choice
• Salt & Pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
2. Thaw out the whole chicken and rinse it under cold water. Make small cuts into the chicken and stuff the sliced garlic into the cuts
3. Place the chicken in a large/deep casserole baking pan. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the chicken, ensuring it is evenly seasoned.
4. In a separate bowl, toss the cut potatoes, carrots, onion, and celery in the Italian salad dressing until they are well coated.
5. Arrange the marinated vegetables around the chicken in the baking pan.
6. Layer the chicken with the pack of smoked bacon.
7. Cover the baking pan with tin foil, ensuring it is tightly sealed.
8. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 2 hours.
9. After 2 hours, increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes or until the bacon becomes crispy and golden.
10. Once the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the bacon is crispy, remove the pan from the oven. Let the chicken rest for at least 20 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your deliciously oven baked chicken with veggies!