Baked Chicken And Okra Recipe: Easy, Flavorful, Nutritious Meal

If you’re looking for a hearty, wholesome dish that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor, look no further than Baked Chicken And Okra. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken with the unique texture and flavor of okra, creating a meal that’s both satisfying and healthy. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 6 oz each)
• 1 lb fresh okra, washed and trimmed
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Ingredients

• Red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
• Greek yogurt for a creamy side dip

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the oven is at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake, which is crucial for even cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, smoked paprika, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and rub the mixture all over them. Ensure that each piece is evenly coated with the spices.
2. Marinate: If you have time, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. This step allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, making it more flavorful and juicy.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Prepare the Okra: Trim the okra by cutting off the ends. Be careful not to slice into the pods themselves, as this can cause them to become slimy during cooking.
2. Combine with Other Veggies: In a separate bowl, toss the okra, potatoes, onions, garlic, and cherry tomatoes with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

1. Layer the Ingredients: In a large baking dish, spread out the seasoned vegetables in an even layer. Place the marinated chicken breasts on top of the vegetables.
2. Add Lemon Juice: Squeeze the lemon juice over the chicken and vegetables for a burst of fresh flavor.

Step 5: Bake

1. Bake the Dish: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and the vegetables should be tender.
2. Check for Doneness: If the chicken needs more time, cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish: Once the dish is out of the oven, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top.
2. Serve: Serve the baked chicken and okra hot, accompanied by a side of Greek yogurt if desired.

Tips and Variations

Tips for Cooking Okra

• What is the best cooking technique for okra? To avoid the slimy texture that okra can sometimes have, make sure not to cut into the pods during preparation. Roasting or baking okra, as in this recipe, is one of the best techniques to ensure a non-slimy, tender result.

Cooking Techniques for Chicken

• What is the difference between roasted and baked chicken breast? While both roasting and baking involve cooking in an oven, roasting is typically done at higher temperatures and often with whole cuts of meat, like a whole chicken, while baking is done at lower temperatures and is more suitable for smaller, boneless cuts like chicken breasts.
• How to cook chicken for beginners? Start by selecting good-quality chicken breasts. Always season them well and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Baking is a forgiving method that ensures even cooking without drying out the meat.

Making Chicken More Flavorful

• How to make your chicken tasty? Marinating the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, spices, and herbs for at least 30 minutes adds depth of flavor. Cooking it alongside fresh vegetables like okra and tomatoes further enhances the taste.

Variations

• Baked Chicken And Okra With Potatoes: Add cubed potatoes to the dish, as outlined in this recipe, to make it even heartier.
• Chicken With Okra And Tomatoes Recipe: You can increase the amount of cherry tomatoes in the dish for a more pronounced tomato flavor.
• Chicken And Okra Stir Fry: For a different take, consider stir-frying the chicken and okra with similar spices in a skillet for a quick and easy meal.
• Chicken And Okra Greek Style: Add crumbled feta cheese and kalamata olives before baking for a Greek-inspired twist.
• Chicken And Okra Stew Recipe: Convert this recipe into a comforting stew by adding chicken broth and simmering on the stovetop instead of baking.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving (Serves 4):

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Sugars: 4g

This baked chicken and okra dish is not only delicious but also nutritious, offering a balanced meal with a good mix of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins.

Baked Chicken And Okra is a versatile and delicious dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful spices, and perfectly cooked okra makes for a meal that’s both comforting and nutritious.

Try this recipe today and discover a new favorite! Don’t forget to leave a comment below to share your experience, and if you loved this recipe, share it with your friends on social media. For more tasty recipes like this one, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter at easycrispyrecipes.com.