Good evening, my dear friends! Today’s meal is a true Mediterranean comfort food: Okra with Chicken baked in the oven. This dish is full of flavor, simple to make, and perfect for a cozy meal with family or friends. Okra is one of those vegetables that people either love or are still warming up to, but when it’s cooked properly, it becomes incredibly tender and delicious. Paired with chicken, the result is a dish that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken thighs (or breasts, if you prefer), cut into pieces
- 1 lb fresh okra (about 3 cups), cleaned and trimmed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, grated or pureed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup water or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for extra richness)
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice (optional, for a refreshing finish)
Instructions:
Prepare the Chicken: Start by heating the olive oil in a large ovenproof pan or baking dish over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning them with a little salt, pepper, and paprika. Sear the chicken until it’s browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pan, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in the grated or pureed tomatoes, and cook for another 3 minutes until the tomato softens and combines with the aromatics.
Add the Okra: Now it’s time to add the okra to the pan. Gently toss the okra in the tomato mixture, and season with the oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and allow the okra to cook for another 3-4 minutes. If you’re using tomato paste, mix it in now to give the dish a rich, savory depth.
Return the Chicken to the Pan: Once the okra has softened slightly, add the chicken back to the pan, nestling it into the vegetables. Pour in the water or chicken broth, covering everything with a little extra liquid. This will help the chicken cook tenderly and the flavors to blend.
Bake in the Oven: Cover the pan with aluminum foil and transfer it to a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F). Bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the okra is tender.
Finish and Serve: Once out of the oven, squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice over the dish for a lovely burst of brightness (optional). Serve your Okra with Chicken with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Enjoy!
This dish is the perfect balance of tender chicken, savory okra, and a rich, tomato-based sauce. Whether it’s a sunny day or a rainy evening, it’s a meal that brings warmth and satisfaction to any table. Καλή όρεξη! 🐔🍅
Have a wonderful afternoon and a happy new month filled with good food and good times!
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