Stuffed chicken thighs with rice

Stuffed chicken thighs with rice

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Enjoy a delicious and comforting recipe for stuffed chicken thighs with rice, perfect for a family dinner or a special lunch. This recipe combines the juiciness of chicken meat with the rich flavors of the rice filling, creating a savory dish that will delight all taste buds. Let's get started!

Ingredients:
- 4 boneless chicken thighs
- 200 g rice (preferably long grain)
- 250 g minced pork or beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 small carrot, grated
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 bunch of fresh parsley, chopped
- 200 ml chicken broth or water

Preparing the filling:
1. Start by preparing the rice. Place the rice in a pot with boiling water and let it cook for 10 minutes. It will absorb some water, but do not cook it completely, as it will continue to cook in the oven. After 10 minutes, drain the rice and set it aside.
2. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent.
3. Add the minced meat to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, and sweet paprika. Cook for about 5 minutes until the meat is well browned. Incorporate the grated carrot and mix to combine the flavors.
4. Add the drained rice to the skillet and mix everything well. Let the filling cool slightly, then add the chopped parsley and mix again.

Stuffing the chicken thighs:
5. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Using a sharp knife, make a cut on the top side of the chicken thighs, being careful not to cut all the way through. Fill each thigh with the rice and meat mixture, pressing gently to avoid it falling apart during baking.
6. Place the stuffed thighs in a baking dish and pour the chicken broth or water over them to prevent drying out. Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the oven for 30 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and let it brown for another 15 minutes to achieve a golden crust.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the stuffed chicken thighs with a fresh vegetable salad or steamed vegetables. This dish is also ideal for reheating, so you can prepare it in advance and enjoy it the next day.

Variations:
For a unique twist, you can add some black olives or feta cheese cubes to the filling for a Mediterranean flavor. You can also substitute the minced meat with chicken or turkey for a lighter version.

This recipe for stuffed chicken thighs with rice is simple and delicious, perfect for any occasion. With each bite, you will discover a perfect balance between the flavors of the meat and the fluffy texture of the rice. Experiment and adapt the recipe to your taste!