Varaždinski Mlinci with Roasted Chicken

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs / 1.4-1.8 kg) 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs / 1.4-1.8 kg)
• 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups (470ml) warm water 2 cups (470ml) warm water
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil, for drizzling Olive oil, for drizzling

Nutrition

• Calories: 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat: 15g (Saturated Fat: 4g)
• Carbohydrates: 45g (Sugars: 1g)
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually add warm water while stirring until a soft dough forms.
3. 3.
   Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   Divide the dough into small portions and roll each portion into a thin sheet, about 1/8 inch thick.
5. 5.
   Place the sheets of dough on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until they become crispy and lightly golden. Set aside.
6. 6.
   Rub the chicken with olive oil and season it with dried thyme, dried rosemary, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
7. 7.
   Place the seasoned chicken in a roasting pan and roast in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
8. 8.
   Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.
9. 9.
   While the chicken is resting, break the baked mlinci into smaller pieces and place them in a large bowl.
10. 10.
    Pour the juices from the roasting pan over the mlinci and let them soak for a few minutes.
11. 11.
    Serve the roasted chicken with the soaked mlinci and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken — Make sure to thoroughly clean the chicken before seasoning it. You can also marinate the chicken overnight for enhanced flavor.
• Mlinci — Be careful not to overbake the mlinci, as they can become too crispy and lose their delicate texture.

Tips & Tricks

• To add more depth of flavor to the roasted chicken, you can stuff it with lemon slices, garlic cloves, and fresh herbs before roasting.
• If you prefer a crispier texture for the mlinci, you can briefly pan-fry them in a little olive oil after soaking them in the chicken juices.
• For a healthier alternative, you can use skinless chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken.

Serving advice

Serve the roasted chicken and mlinci on a large platter, allowing everyone to help themselves. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, for an added touch of freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the crispy mlinci around the roasted chicken, creating a beautiful nest-like presentation. Drizzle some of the chicken juices over the mlinci for an appetizing appearance.