Chicken thighs with beer and a side of potatoes with onion and cheese

Chicken thighs with beer and a side of potatoes with onion and cheese

If you're looking for a savory and comforting recipe, then this combination of chicken thighs with beer and a side of potatoes with onion and cheese is exactly what you need. The dish not only blends delicious flavors but also offers a moment of culinary indulgence, perfect for a meal with family or friends. Let's start the kitchen adventure!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Marinating time: 3-4 hours
Baking time: 55 minutes
Total time: 4 hours and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 3 chicken thighs
- 1 Bergenbier beer (or a light beer of your choice)
- 1 head of garlic
- 3-4 grams of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of salt (plus for potatoes and onion)
- 1/2 teaspoon of pepper
- 2 teaspoons of mustard
- 2-3 slices of lemon
- 50 ml oil (sunflower or olive)
- 8 medium potatoes
- 4 onions (preferably white or yellow)
- 100 g grated cheese

Preparation:

1. Marinating the thighs:
Start by preparing the chicken thighs. Clean them well, then wash them under cold running water. Dry them with a paper towel. In a large bowl, add the thighs, oil, salt, pepper, and thyme. Then pour the beer over the meat, ensuring the thighs are well covered. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit in the fridge for 3-4 hours. This step is essential as marinating helps tenderize the meat and enrich the flavor.

2. Preparing for baking:
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. After the marinating period, take the thighs out of the fridge and place them in a baking dish. Pour the remaining marinade from the bowl over the thighs. Clean the head of garlic, crush a few cloves, and add them to the dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture.

3. Baking the thighs:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and let the thighs bake for 25 minutes. This step will help cook the meat evenly and allow the flavors to develop.

4. Finishing the thighs:
After 25 minutes, remove the dish from the oven and take off the aluminum foil. In a small bowl, mix the mustard with the liquid from the dish. Use this mixture to brush the thighs, then slice a few lemon wedges and place them on top. Put the dish back in the oven and let it bake for another 30 minutes until the thighs are golden and crispy.

5. Preparing the potato side:
Meanwhile, peel the potatoes and cut them into small cubes. Place them in a pot with water and a pinch of salt, then let them boil for 15 minutes or until they are slightly soft. Do not overboil them, as they will continue to cook in the pan. Once boiled, drain them well.

6. Sautéing the onion:
Clean the onions and chop them finely. In a large skillet, add a little oil and sauté the onion over medium heat until it becomes translucent. Then, add the drained potatoes and let them cook together with the onion for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt to taste.

7. Finalizing:
When the potatoes are ready, take them off the heat. Before serving, sprinkle the grated cheese on top, allowing it to melt slightly.

8. Serving:
Serve the chicken thighs alongside the potato side with onion. Don't forget to add a few slices of lemon on the plate for an extra flavor boost. This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or a yogurt sauce to balance the flavors.

Practical tips:
- Use a quality beer to enhance the meat's flavor. Bergenbier is an excellent choice, but you can also experiment with other types of beer.
- If you want a more intense flavor, you can add some fresh herbs like rosemary or oregano to the marinade.
- For a healthier option, you can replace the potatoes with a side of grilled vegetables.

Nutritional benefits:
Chicken thighs are an excellent source of protein, and the beer used in the marinade helps tenderize the meat. Potatoes are a good source of carbohydrates and fiber, while onions add valuable antioxidants. Cheese provides calcium and protein, making this dish a balanced meal.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of meat? Yes, this recipe can also be adapted for other types of meat, such as turkey or pork thighs.
- What other side dishes can I make? Besides potatoes with onion, you can also opt for mashed potatoes or sautéed vegetables.

Drink pairings:
This dish pairs very well with a cold beer, but you can also choose a dry white wine or a fresh lemonade.

Enjoy this delicious and savory recipe for chicken thighs with beer and a side of potatoes with onion and cheese! Every bite will be a true pleasure, and cooking together with loved ones will make this dish quickly become a favorite in your family! Bon appétit!