A dream recipe--oven-baked chicken thighs with dried fruits

Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs with Dried Fruits Recipe

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Number of Servings: 2

Welcome to my kitchen! Today I will share with you a delicious and healthy recipe: oven-baked chicken thighs with dried fruits. This recipe is not just a simple meal, but a true celebration of flavors! It is perfect for those moments when you want to impress your family or friends with a dish that combines sweet and savory tastes.

Let’s begin our culinary journey!

Necessary Ingredients:

- 2 whole chicken thighs (preferably with skin for a juicier texture)
- 1/2 lemon (juice and zest)
- 1/2 orange (juice and zest)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder (or a mix of nutmeg, cloves, pepper, and cinnamon)
- 6 dried apricots (rehydrated)
- 50 g raisins (rehydrated)
- 30 g goji berries (rehydrated)
- Olive oil (for greasing)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Water (for the baking tray)

A Touch of History:

Chicken thighs with dried fruits is a recipe that blends tradition and innovation. Over time, many cultures have found ways to combine meat with fruits, creating flavorful dishes that reflect the richness of available ingredients. This dish is not only a delicacy but also a healthy choice, full of nutrients.

Step by Step – Preparing the Recipe:

1. Rehydrate the dried fruits: Start by placing the dried apricots, raisins, and goji berries in a small bowl with warm water. Let them soak for 15 minutes to become soft and juicy. This step is essential for adding a pleasant texture and sweet flavor to your dish.

2. Prepare the aromatic mixture: Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Wash the lemon and orange well, then zest them. It is important to use fresh fruits, as the essential oils in the zest will add an intense flavor to the dish. Squeeze the juice from both citrus fruits and mix it with the zest in a bowl, along with the spices (five-spice powder and crushed bay leaf).

3. Prepare the chicken thighs: Rub the chicken thighs with the citrus and spice mixture, ensuring it gets well into the skin and meat. This will create a delicious and aromatic crust. Don’t forget to season the thighs with salt and pepper for an exceptional taste.

4. Arrange in the tray: Place the thighs in a deep baking tray, skin side up. Add a little water to the tray (about 100 ml) to maintain moisture during baking. Brush the thighs with olive oil – this step will help achieve a golden and crispy crust.

5. Baking: Place the tray in the oven and let the thighs bake for about 20 minutes. It is important to baste the thighs with the juices that accumulate in the tray from time to time to prevent the meat from drying out.

6. Adding the fruits: After 20 minutes, drain the dried fruits from the water and arrange them around the thighs in the tray. They will caramelize slightly during baking and share their flavor with the chicken. Continue baking for another 5-10 minutes, until the thighs are golden and juicy.

7. Serving: Once the thighs are ready, remove the tray from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute in the meat, resulting in juicier thighs. Serve the dish alongside a side of boiled rice or mashed potatoes, completing the meal with a fresh green salad for a crunchy contrast.

Serving Suggestions:

For an extra flavor boost, you can drizzle a little soy or balsamic sauce over the dish before serving. These flavors will blend perfectly with those of the citrus and dried fruits.

Possible Variations:

If you want to try a different combination of fruits, you can use dried apples or dates, which add a distinct sweetness. You can also experiment with different spices, such as cumin or smoked paprika, to bring a different note to the recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, but the baking time will be shorter. Make sure the breast doesn’t dry out by checking it frequently.

2. How can I make the recipe spicier?
Add a pinch of chili flakes to the spice mix for an extra kick.

3. What are the nutritional benefits of this recipe?
Chicken thighs are an excellent source of lean protein, while dried fruits provide fiber and antioxidants, contributing to a healthy lifestyle.

Calories:

This recipe has approximately 350 kcal per serving, depending on the exact amount of oil used and the size of the thighs. It is a healthy option for a balanced meal!

I hope this recipe for oven-baked chicken thighs with dried fruits will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen! Cooking is an art, and every meal offers an opportunity to create beautiful memories with loved ones. Enjoy your meal!