Sunday Lunch Chicken Thighs with Potatoes and Yogurt Sauce

Sunday lunch is a special moment of the week when the whole family gathers to enjoy a delicious and comforting meal. Today, I’m sharing a simple yet incredibly tasty recipe: Chicken Thighs with Potatoes and Yogurt Sauce. This perfect combination of proteins and carbohydrates, along with a fresh sauce, will turn your lunch into a true feast.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the chicken thighs:
- 3 whole chicken thighs
- Salt, pepper, and paprika (to taste)
- Granulated garlic (1 teaspoon)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or other vegetable oil)

For the potatoes:
- 400 g potatoes
- 3 eggs
- 4 tablespoons sour cream
- 100 ml milk
- 300 g feta cheese
- 150 g goat cheese
- 200 g cheese
- Salt, pepper (to taste)
- Butter (for greasing the dish)
- Fresh dill

For the yogurt sauce:
- 150 ml Greek yogurt
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 medium cucumber
- Fresh dill
- Salt, pepper (to taste)

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the chicken thighs
Start with the chicken thighs, which are known for being juicy and full of flavor. Rinse the thighs well under cold running water. Then, season them with salt, pepper, paprika, and granulated garlic, making sure all the spices are evenly distributed.

Helpful tips:
If you want an even more intense flavor, let the thighs marinate in the spices for 30 minutes or even overnight in the refrigerator.

Step 2: Cooking the thighs
In a baking dish, add a little oil and 2-3 tablespoons of water, then place the chicken thighs in the dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven at 180°C. Let them bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil to brown them. At this stage, you can turn them over to achieve an even crust.

Step 3: Preparing the potatoes
Meanwhile, wash the potatoes, leaving the skin on, and boil them in salted water for 15-20 minutes until they are slightly soft but not fully cooked. Once boiled, let them cool slightly, then slice them into thick rounds.

Step 4: Cheese mixture
In a bowl, beat the eggs with the sour cream and milk. Add crumbled feta cheese and goat cheese, chopped dill, salt, and pepper. Mix well to achieve a homogeneous mixture.

Step 5: Assembling the potatoes
Grease a baking dish with butter, then place a layer of potato slices. Pour half of the cheese mixture on top, sprinkle with grated cheese, and add another layer of potatoes. Finish with the remaining cheese mixture and top with the rest of the grated cheese.

Step 6: Baking the potatoes
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until it is nicely browned on top.

Step 7: Preparing the yogurt sauce
In a small bowl, mix the Greek yogurt with the grated cucumber (don’t forget to squeeze out the excess water), crushed garlic, and chopped dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This fresh sauce will add a delicious contrast to the warm dish.

Serving

Remove the chicken thighs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Place the thighs on plates alongside the seasoned potatoes, and you can serve the yogurt sauce in a small bowl on the table for everyone to enjoy.

Possible variations

1. For a spicier version: Add chili flakes to the chicken spice mixture.
2. For a vegetarian dish: You can replace the chicken thighs with large mushrooms stuffed with a cheese and vegetable mixture.
3. Try different types of cheese: Feta or mozzarella can add an interesting twist to the dish.

Nutritional benefits

This recipe is rich in protein thanks to the chicken thighs, while the potatoes provide healthy carbohydrates. The cheeses contribute calcium and essential vitamins, and the yogurt sauce adds beneficial probiotics for digestion.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of meat?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with chicken breast or even pork.

2. Can I prepare the recipe in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the potatoes and chicken thighs a few hours before baking them. Just make sure to cover them well.

3. What drinks pair well with this dish?
A dry white wine or fresh lemonade would be the perfect choice to complement the meal.

Personal note

This Chicken Thighs with Potatoes and Yogurt Sauce recipe reminds me of Sundays spent with family, where every detail of the meal mattered. I love adding a bit of fresh dill to the yogurt sauce for an extra burst of flavor. I encourage you to experiment and add your own personal touches!

So, get ready for a delicious meal and enjoy every moment of this culinary experience! Bon appétit!