One of not only the most delicious, but also quite healthy dishes is chicken in the oven with prunes. Its benefits are obvious.
It's no secret that chicken is one of the most important parts of a healthy diet. First of all, because chicken meat is the main source of protein (22%). And fats in it contain no more than 10%. In addition, it contains polyunsaturated fatty acids that contribute to its absorption, as well as the prevention of myocardial infarction, hypertension, ischemia and stroke.
The protein contained in chicken meat contains 92% of the amino acids needed by the human body. A considerable amount of such meat contains vitamins of group B. It also has a sufficient amount of calcium, copper, phosphorus, magnesium, sulfur, iron and selenium.
The only drawback of chicken is its skin, which contains quite a lot of adipose tissue. Therefore, in order to reduce the harm of this meat, it is sometimes recommended to remove it. True, the chicken in the oven with a crust turns out amazingly tasty and fragrant precisely thanks to this skin.
Increases the benefits and taste of chicken prunes. He is able not only to emphasize the taste of meat, but also to bring its own specific benefit. Because chicken in the oven with prunes is popular with culinary specialists.
So, prunes are an excellent anti-inflammatory agent for the oral cavity, capable of combating gum disease and even caries. And its positive effect on the cardiovascular system has been known for a long time. Pectin, which is contained in prunes, helps to remove cholesterol. And the potassium salts, which are in it in large quantities, provide purification of the kidneys by eliminating excess salt and water from the body.
If the chicken in the oven with prunes is baked for more than an hour, then the prunes prevent the loss of moisture, making the meat juicy, soft and aromatic.
To prepare such a dish, you will need directly chicken and prunes (approximately 600 grams). As well as a tablespoon of mayonnaise and to taste pepper, spices and salt.
First, rinse the chicken. Then rub it inside and out with a mixture of pepper, spices and salt. And stuff with prunes.
Then gently either sew the chicken or fasten it with wooden toothpicks so that the prunes do not fall out.
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees. Grease the chicken with mayonnaise and set to bake until golden brown.
Such a chicken in the oven with prunes is soaked from the inside and it turns out amazingly tasty. As a side dish, rice is ideal for her.
For example, without a side dish or with baked potatoes, you can serve chicken cooked in a different way. This option takes a little longer, but the result will surely please you. This dish is often cooked in Italy. So, for a family dinner or a festive table, chicken in the oven with garlic is perfect.
For its preparation, again, chicken and, of course, garlic are needed. Also 4 sprigs of rosemary, 50 grams of butter, 300 ml of white wine (dry) and ground black pepper.
Rinse the whole chicken well. Put 4-5 cloves of garlic and rosemary inside (2 sprigs). Most importantly, do not peel garlic. Then he will give the meat a wonderful aroma and taste. After laying the chicken in a baking dish, lay a few more cloves of garlic around.
After placing the chicken in a deep form, salt it well, add pepper and the required amount of wine to taste. Close the lid tightly and place in the oven for about an hour at a temperature of 120 degrees.
Remove the chicken, put the butter on it and send it back to the oven. If you want it to turn rosy, then 10 minutes before the end of cooking, remove the lid. Before you get the chicken, put on it the two remaining branches of rosemary for 2-3 minutes.