Oven-roasted red pepper pulpits with saffron butter sauce

Chicken thighs with red pepper and saffron butter sauce

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Servings: 4

I invite you to discover a delicious recipe for oven-baked chicken thighs, combining the intense flavors of red pepper and the delicacy of saffron butter sauce. This recipe is not only simple but also full of flavor, perfect for a special dinner or to impress your guests.

Recipe history:
Chicken thighs have been a popular choice in kitchens around the world due to their accessibility and versatility. Baked or fried, thighs can be seasoned in countless ways. Saffron sauce, with its golden hues, has been used for centuries in various dishes, adding not only a unique flavor but also a touch of elegance. This recipe combines simple ingredients with cooking techniques that make every meal a celebration.

Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon of ground red pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil
- For the sauce:
- 200 ml white wine
- ½ teaspoon saffron threads
- 125 g butter
- 2 garlic cloves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- A few chopped chives

Step by step:

1. Preparing the thighs:
- Start by washing the chicken thighs well under cold running water. Dry them with a paper towel to remove excess water, allowing the spices to adhere better.
- Use a mortar to grind the red pepper. This method will release the essential oils, intensifying the spice's flavor.

2. Preparing the marinade:
- In a bowl, mix the ground red pepper, salt, smoked paprika, and olive oil. This mixture will form a flavorful marinade for the thighs.
- Coat the thighs with this marinade, ensuring they are evenly covered on all sides. Let the thighs sit in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.

3. Cooking the thighs:
- Preheat the oven to 160-180°C. Place the thighs on a rack in a baking tray, ensuring they do not overlap.
- Pour 100-150 ml of water into the tray to prevent the thighs from drying out during baking. This step will add moisture and help achieve a tender texture.
- Bake the thighs for 45 minutes. After this time, carefully turn them and let them brown for an additional 15 minutes until golden and crispy.

4. Preparing the saffron sauce:
- In a skillet, bring the white wine to a boil, adding the saffron threads at the same time. Let it simmer over medium heat until the volume is reduced by half, concentrating the flavors.
- Add two pieces of butter at a time, whisking continuously. Continue adding butter until everything melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Remove the sauce from heat and add the minced garlic, salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste. Mix well and taste to adjust the seasonings.
- Sprinkle a few chopped chives on top of the sauce for added freshness and flavor.

5. Serving:
- Place the chicken thighs on a platter and pour the saffron sauce over them. This sauce will give a sophisticated touch to the dish and delight everyone's taste buds.
- I recommend serving the thighs alongside a fresh salad, perhaps arugula with feta cheese or a tomato and cucumber salad with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Useful tips:
- Make sure the thighs are well-seasoned and have enough time to absorb the marinade flavors.
- You can experiment with different types of white wine, depending on your preferences; a more aromatic wine will enhance the sauce's flavor.
- If you like spicier sauces, you can add half a teaspoon of ground chili pepper to the marinade or sauce.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other parts of the chicken? Yes, you can use chicken breast or wings, but the cooking time will need to be adjusted.
- How can I adapt the recipe to be healthier? You can reduce the amount of butter in the sauce or use olive oil instead of butter.
- What side dishes go well with this recipe? Savory rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables are all excellent choices.

Nutritional benefits:
This chicken thigh recipe is rich in protein, essential for tissue development and repair. Additionally, saffron has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, contributing to a balanced diet.

In conclusion, oven-baked chicken thighs with red pepper and saffron butter sauce are an excellent choice for a refined yet accessible meal. Whether you serve it on a family night or at a party with friends, it will surely leave a pleasant impression. Try this recipe and enjoy its unique flavors!