Chicken thighs with new potatoes in the oven

Chicken thighs with new potatoes in the oven

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Discover the magic of a simple and flavorful dish: chicken thighs with new potatoes in the oven. This recipe is particularly popular due to the perfect combination of succulent meat and delicious potatoes, baked to blend flavors in an irresistible way. It is ideal for a family dinner or a gathering with friends.

A brief history of the recipe

Oven cooking is a traditional technique that has been used throughout history to transform simple ingredients into extraordinary meals. The combination of meat and vegetables is universal, but each culture adds its own spices and cooking techniques, resulting in unique dishes. This recipe for chicken thighs with new potatoes brings a touch of comfort and familiarity, making it a perfect choice for any occasion.

Ingredients

- 1 kg chicken thighs (preferably upper thighs for more juiciness)
- 1 kg new potatoes (preferably small, with thin skin)
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
- 100 ml olive oil or sunflower oil
- 100 ml water
- Salt, pepper, and other meat spices (e.g., paprika, garlic powder, thyme)

Necessary utensils

- Baking tray
- Knife
- Chopping board
- Wooden spoon
- Small bowl for mixing spices

Step by step

Step 1: Preparing the chicken thighs

Start by washing the chicken thighs well under a stream of cold water. Make sure to remove any impurities and feathers. After that, dry them with a paper towel. Season the thighs on both sides with salt and pepper. This step is essential for giving flavor to the meat, so don't skip it. If desired, you can also add other preferred spices, such as paprika for a smoky note or garlic powder for an extra flavor boost.

Step 2: Preparing the potatoes

Peel the new potatoes. If they are larger, it is recommended to cut them into smaller cubes for even cooking. Generally, new potatoes can be cut into 8 or more pieces, depending on their size. Wash them well to remove any remaining dirt. New potatoes have a sweet aroma and a fine texture, perfect for combining with chicken thighs.

Step 3: Assembling the dish

Prepare the baking tray. Place the chicken thighs on one side of the tray and the cut potatoes on the other side. It is important to leave enough space between them to allow hot air circulation during baking. Pour the oil over the thighs and potatoes, ensuring that all ingredients are well coated. This will help achieve a crunchy and delicious crust.

Step 4: Adding water and spices

Add the water along one edge of the tray – this will help maintain moisture during baking. Then, finely chop the fresh dill and sprinkle it evenly over the potatoes. Dill adds a fresh and aromatic note that perfectly complements the flavor of the meat.

Step 5: Baking

Preheat the oven to 200°C. Place the tray in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 45-60 minutes. Check from time to time if the thighs are evenly browned and if the potatoes are soft. For an even crunchier crust, you can activate the grill function in the last 5 minutes of baking.

Serving

Once the dish is ready, take the tray out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve the chicken thighs alongside the browned potatoes, sprinkled with a little fresh dill on top for a pleasant appearance and intensified aroma. This recipe pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad or crunchy pickles, providing a nice contrast.

Tips and tricks

- For an even more intense flavor: Marinating the chicken thighs for 1-2 hours (or even overnight) in a mixture of oil, garlic, lemon, and spices can add a wonderful depth of flavor.
- Variations: You can replace the potatoes with vegetables like carrots, celery, or zucchini for a healthier option. You can also try adding a few slices of red onion for an additional sweet aroma.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: A serving of this dish contains approximately 450-500 calories, providing a good source of protein from the meat, carbohydrates from the potatoes, and vitamins from the dill.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use another type of meat?
Yes, you can replace the chicken thighs with chicken breast or even pork, making sure to adjust the cooking time.

2. What spices can I add?
Depending on your preferences, you can add herbs such as oregano, rosemary, or even Asian spices to completely change the flavor of the dish.

3. How can I store leftovers?
The dish can be kept in the fridge in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or in the oven.

4. What drinks pair well with this dish?
A white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, pairs perfectly with the flavors of this dish. Additionally, a fresh lemonade is an excellent choice for a summer meal.

Enjoy making chicken thighs with new potatoes in the oven and turn every meal into a celebration of flavors! This simple and delicious recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.