Ratatouille Baked Chicken combines the earthy flavors of a traditional French ratatouille with juicy chicken. The result is a mouth-watering blend of succulent chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices that will transport you straight to the heart of Provence.
There are no special ingredients in this recipe that can't be found in a typical grocery store. However, when selecting eggplant and zucchini, look for firm ones that are heavy for their size. These will have the best texture and flavor. For the tomatoes, fresh ripe ones will provide the most flavorful result.
Ingredients in Ratatouille Baked Chicken
Olive oil: The olive oil is used to brown the chicken and sauté the vegetables, adding a rich flavor to the dish.
Chicken thighs: Chicken thighs are preferred for this recipe as they're more flavorful and juicy than chicken breasts.
Yellow onion: Onions add a sweet, caramelized flavor to the dish.
Garlic: Garlic adds a spicy, aromatic note.
Eggplant: Eggplant gives the ratatouille its unique, slightly smokey flavor.
Tomato Paste: Tomato paste adds depth and richness to the dish.
Thyme: Fresh thyme gives the dish a herby, slightly floral flavor.
Zucchini: Zucchini adds a tender, slightly sweet flavor.
Bell pepper: Yellow bell pepper adds a sweet, slightly tangy flavor.
Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes add acidity and freshness to the dish.
Basil: Fresh basil leaves add a peppery, slightly sweet flavor and a pop of color.
One reader, Chet Fernandes says:
The ratatouille baked chicken was a delightful surprise! The flavors of the tender chicken and the vibrant, savory vegetables were a perfect match. The dish was easy to prepare and made for a satisfying, healthy meal. I'll definitely be making this again!
Cooking Techniques for Ratatouille Baked Chicken
How to preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F. How to brown the chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, season on all sides with salt and pepper, and set the chicken down in the pan. Cook, without moving, until nicely browned and the meat releases from the pan, about 5 minutes. Flip and continue cooking until the other side begins to brown, about 3 minutes. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside. How to cook the vegetables: Add the remaining olive oil, onion, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften, about 3 minutes. Add the eggplant and another pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until the eggplant begins to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the tomato paste and thyme and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Add the zucchini, bell pepper, tomatoes, another pinch of salt, and a twist of black pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until all of the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes. How to bake the chicken: Partially submerge the chicken into the vegetables. Transfer the pot to the oven and cook, uncovered, until the thickest portion of the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees F, about 20 minutes. How to finish the dish: Remove from the oven and let stand for 10 minutes. Stir in the basil and serve.
How To Make Ratatouille Baked Chicken
Serve this tangy and herby ratatouille baked chicken with bell pepper, zucchini, eggplant, and thyme, to fancy up dinners with this classic French dish.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2tbspolive oil,extra virgin
- 8chicken thighs,bone in, skin removed
- kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper,to taste
- 1small yellow onion,roughly chopped
- 5clovesgarlic,minced
- 1large eggplant,peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1tbsptomato paste
- 1tbspfresh thyme,finely chopped
- 2medium zucchini,cut into ½-inch dice
- 1yellow bell pepper,cut into ½-inch squares
- 5tomatoes,vine ripened, cut into ½-inch dice
- 1cupfresh basil leaves,finely chopped
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 400°F.
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Set a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1/2 tablespoon olive oil and heat to shimmering.
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Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, season on all sides with salt and pepper, and set the chicken down in the pan. Cook, without moving, until nicely browned and the meat releases from the pan, about 5 minutes.
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Flip and continue cooking until the other side begins to brown, about 3 minutes. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
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Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining olive oil, onion, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften, about 3 minutes.
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Add the eggplant and another pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until the eggplant begins to soften, about 5 minutes.
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Add the tomato paste and thyme and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
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Add the zucchini, bell pepper, tomatoes, another pinch of salt, and a twist of black pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until all of the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
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Remove the pan from the heat.
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Partially submerge the chicken into the vegetables. Transfer the pot to the oven and cook, uncovered, until the thickest portion of the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees F, about 20 minutes.
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Remove from the oven and let stand for 10 minutes. Stir in the basil and serve.
Nutrition
- Calories: 1037.02kcal
- Fat: 72.08g
- Saturated Fat: 18.65g
- Trans Fat: 0.33g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 31.83g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 14.51g
- Carbohydrates: 28.65g
- Fiber: 9.78g
- Sugar: 13.84g
- Protein: 69.55g
- Cholesterol: 378.28mg
- Sodium: 2085.45mg
- Calcium: 116.92mg
- Potassium: 2036.92mg
- Iron: 4.84mg
- Vitamin A: 190.55µg
- Vitamin C: 133.08mg
Expert Technique Tip for Perfecting Ratatouille Baked Chicken
When browning the chicken, resist the urge to move it around in the pan. Letting it sit undisturbed allows a nice, flavorful crust to form. This crust not only adds texture to the chicken, but also contributes to the overall flavor of the dish. Remember, color equals flavor in cooking.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Dish
Prep ahead: Chop and prepare all the vegetables and herbs in advance to save time during the cooking process.
One-pot wonder: Use a large Dutch oven or a deep oven-safe skillet to cook the chicken and ratatouille together, minimizing cleanup.
Batch cooking: Consider making a larger portion of the ratatouille and using the leftovers for other meals throughout the week.
Multitask: While the chicken is baking in the oven, use that time to clean up the kitchen or prepare a side dish to serve with the ratatouille baked chicken.
Efficient slicing: Use a mandoline slicer to quickly and uniformly slice the vegetables for the ratatouille, saving time on prep work.
Substitute Ingredients For Ratatouille Baked Chicken
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar high smoke point and mild flavor, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in this recipe.
chicken thighs - Substitute with bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts: The bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts will provide a similar juiciness and flavor to the dish.
yellow onion - Substitute with white onion: White onions can be used as a substitute for yellow onions, providing a slightly sharper flavor.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic, providing a milder flavor.
eggplant - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini can be used as a substitute for eggplant, providing a similar texture and mild flavor.
tomato paste - Substitute with tomato sauce: Tomato sauce can be used as a substitute for tomato paste, providing a thinner consistency but similar flavor.
thyme - Substitute with oregano: Oregano can be used as a substitute for thyme, providing a similar earthy and slightly minty flavor.
zucchini - Substitute with yellow squash: Yellow squash can be used as a substitute for zucchini, providing a similar texture and flavor.
yellow bell pepper - Substitute with red bell pepper: Red bell peppers can be used as a substitute for yellow bell peppers, providing a slightly sweeter flavor.
tomatoes - Substitute with canned diced tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes can be used as a substitute for fresh tomatoes, providing a convenient alternative with a similar flavor.
basil leaves - Substitute with parsley: Parsley can be used as a substitute for basil leaves, providing a fresh and slightly peppery flavor.
Plating Ideas for Ratatouille Baked Chicken
Elevate the plating: Arrange the ratatouille baked chicken in a circular motion on the plate, ensuring that the vegetables and chicken are evenly distributed for a visually appealing presentation.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle a generous amount of freshly chopped basil leaves over the ratatouille baked chicken to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce delicate and colorful edible flowers as a subtle yet elegant garnish to enhance the overall aesthetic of the dish.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to create a visually striking presentation, allowing the vibrant colors of the ratatouille and chicken to stand out.
Add a drizzle of balsamic reduction: Create an artistic drizzle of balsamic reduction around the edge of the plate to add a touch of sophistication and elevate the overall visual appeal.
Use high-quality serving ware: Select elegant and refined serving ware that complements the dish, such as minimalist white plates or rustic ceramic platters, to showcase the ratatouille baked chicken beautifully.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Recipe
- Oven: Used for baking and roasting dishes at high temperatures.
- Dutch oven: A heavy-duty pot with a tight-fitting lid, suitable for braising, stewing, and cooking dishes in the oven.
- Paper towels: Used for drying and cleaning food items and surfaces in the kitchen.
- Tongs: Essential for flipping and handling food items while cooking.
- Meat thermometer: Used to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it is fully cooked.
- Knife: Essential for cutting and preparing the vegetables and chicken.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for cutting and chopping ingredients.
- Stove: Used for cooking and heating food in the Dutch oven and skillet.
- Skillet: Used for browning the chicken before transferring it to the Dutch oven.
- Spatula: Essential for stirring and serving the ratatouille baked chicken.
- Oven mitts: Used to handle hot cookware and dishes when placing them in or removing them from the oven.
- Cooking spoon: Used for stirring and serving the ratatouille and chicken.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Ratatouille Baked Chicken
- To store leftover ratatouille baked chicken, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- When reheating, ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the ratatouille baked chicken. Transfer the cooled dish to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Frozen ratatouille baked chicken can be stored for up to 3 months.
- To reheat from frozen, thaw the dish overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, transfer the contents to a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Alternatively, you can reheat the thawed dish in a microwave-safe container, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
The Best Ways to Reheat Ratatouille Baked Chicken
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover ratatouille baked chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover it with aluminum foil, and bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. This method helps retain moisture and prevent the chicken from drying out.
For a quicker option, use the microwave. Place the leftover ratatouille baked chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat it on high power for 1-2 minutes per serving. Stir the ratatouille and check the temperature of the chicken to ensure even heating.
If you want to add a crispy texture to the reheated chicken, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the leftover ratatouille baked chicken in an oven-safe dish and cover the top with a layer of breadcrumbs or grated cheese. Bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the dish is heated through.
For a stovetop method, place the leftover ratatouille baked chicken in a skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to the pan to prevent the ratatouille from sticking and to create steam. Cover the pan with a lid and heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the dish is heated through.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat the leftover ratatouille baked chicken. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C), place the leftovers in the basket, and cook for 3-5 minutes or until heated through. This method can help restore some of the crispiness to the chicken skin.
Interesting Trivia About Ratatouille Baked Chicken
The dish Ratatouille Baked Chicken is a delicious combination of tender chicken and a variety of fresh vegetables. It's a great way to incorporate a range of healthy ingredients into a single meal, providing a good balance of protein and nutrients. The dish is also versatile, allowing for different vegetable combinations based on personal preferences or seasonal availability. It's a perfect example of how a single recipe can be adapted to suit individual tastes and dietary needs.
Budget-Friendly: Is This Recipe Economical?
The ratatouille baked chicken recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The combination of chicken thighs, eggplant, and zucchini offers a budget-friendly yet flavorful meal. The use of seasonal vegetables and affordable chicken makes it a practical choice. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $20, making it a great option for those looking for a delicious and economical meal. Overall Verdict: 9/10
Is This Dish Healthy or Unhealthy?
The ratatouille baked chicken recipe is a relatively healthy dish, as it incorporates a variety of nutritious vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, bell pepper, and tomatoes. These vegetables provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The use of olive oil, a healthy fat source, is another positive aspect of this recipe. However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to make it even healthier:
- The recipe calls for chicken thighs, which are higher in fat compared to leaner cuts like chicken breast. Using skinless chicken breast would reduce the overall fat content of the dish.
- The amount of olive oil used could be slightly reduced to lower the calorie and fat content without compromising the flavor.
- The recipe doesn't specify the amount of salt used. It's important to be mindful of sodium intake, as excessive sodium can lead to health issues like high blood pressure.
To further enhance the nutritional value of this recipe, consider the following suggestions:
- Incorporate additional non-starchy vegetables, such as carrots, mushrooms, or spinach, to increase the fiber content and provide a wider range of vitamins and minerals.
- Use whole-grain bread crumbs or quinoa as a topping to add a boost of complex carbohydrates and protein.
- Experiment with herbs and spices like rosemary, oregano, or smoked paprika to add depth of flavor without relying on excessive salt.
- Serve the ratatouille baked chicken with a side of whole grains, such as brown rice or quinoa, to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Our Editor's Opinion on Ratatouille Baked Chicken
The ratatouille baked chicken recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The combination of tender chicken thighs and the vibrant medley of vegetables creates a harmonious dish. The cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a rich and satisfying meal. The use of fresh herbs like thyme and basil adds a refreshing aroma and depth of flavor. This dish is a perfect balance of hearty and healthy, making it a versatile and impressive addition to any dining experience.
Enhance Your Ratatouille Baked Chicken with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Complement Ratatouille Baked Chicken
Why trust this Ratatouille Baked Chicken:
This recipe guarantees a delectable meal with tender chicken and a flavorful ratatouille medley. The combination of fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs ensures a satisfying and wholesome dish. Trust in the expertise of this chef, as they have carefully crafted a balanced and mouthwatering recipe using quality ingredients. Embrace the culinary journey and savor the delightful fusion of Mediterranean flavors in every bite.
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