Description
Galena Chicken is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines bone-in chicken pieces with a medley of herbs, garlic, and a hint of sweetness. It’s inspired by the rustic and historic feel of Galena, Illinois, and is designed to be a simple yet satisfying meal. This dish is versatile enough for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The combination of flavors creates a delightful aromatic experience and a delicious end product.
Ingredients
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Chicken:
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2-2.5 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, and/or breasts)
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Aromatics:
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
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Herbs:
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2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves (or 2 teaspoons dried thyme)
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1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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Sweet & Savory:
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2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey)
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2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
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1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
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Oil & Seasoning:
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
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1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
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Optional Garnishes:
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Fresh parsley, chopped
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Lemon wedges
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Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels.
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Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, thinly sliced onion, fresh thyme, rosemary, dried oregano, maple syrup (or honey), Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
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Coat the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl or baking dish. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
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Arrange in Baking Dish: Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in a baking dish. Make sure the chicken is not overcrowded. Use a larger baking pan or divide chicken between multiple pans as needed.
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Bake: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C) and the skin is golden brown and crispy.
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Optional Broiling: If desired, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes to make the skin extra crispy. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
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Rest: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
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Garnish and Serve: Garnish the Galena Chicken with fresh parsley and serve hot with lemon wedges, if desired.
Notes
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Chicken: Bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces will produce the most flavorful and juicy results. You can use a mix of chicken pieces, depending on your preference.
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Herbs: Fresh herbs will provide the best flavor, but dried herbs can be used if needed. If using dried herbs, reduce the quantity by half compared to fresh.
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Sweetener: You can adjust the amount of maple syrup (or honey) to your liking.
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Vinegar: The apple cider vinegar adds a slight tang that balances the flavors. You could substitute with white wine vinegar if desired.
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Baking Dish: Choose a baking dish that will accommodate all of the chicken in a single layer.
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Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through to a safe internal temperature.
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Make Ahead: You can prepare the sauce and coat the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Store in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Allow to come to near room temperature before baking.
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Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple salad.
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Leftovers: Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Poultry
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Rustic
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1-2 pieces of chicken with sauce
- Calories: 350-450
- Sugar: 10-15 grams
- Sodium: 400-600 mg
- Fat: 20-25 grams
- Saturated Fat: 5-8 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 15-18 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 15-20 grams
- Fiber: 1-2 grams
- Protein: 30-40 grams
- Cholesterol: 150-200 mg
Keywords: Galena Chicken, Baked Chicken, Herb Chicken, Rustic Chicken, Maple Chicken, Dijon Chicken, Easy Chicken Recipe, Chicken Dinner, Roasted Chicken, Comfort Food, Weeknight Meal