Baked chicken thighs

Delicious Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe

Total preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 40-45 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Baked chicken thighs are a classic dish that not only delights your senses with its aromas but also brings back pleasant childhood memories. Using simple and natural ingredients, this recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a festive meal. If you've ever had the chance to enjoy free-range chicken, you know it's much tastier and healthier, right? Now it's time to share the secrets to achieving the most succulent chicken thighs, prepared with love and passion.

Necessary ingredients:

- 6-7 chicken thighs (ideally free-range for an authentic taste)
- 100 ml olive oil (or sunflower oil, according to preference)
- A handful of salt
- 350-400 ml water
- 1-2 tablespoons of Delikat (or another preferred seasoning)
- White pepper, to taste
- Dried basil, to taste

Preparation of baked chicken thighs:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing the chicken thighs well. If you used free-range chicken, it's essential to remove any impurities. You can rinse them under cold running water to ensure they are clean. This step is important for achieving a tasty and healthy dish.

2. Preparing the baking tray: Choose a tray large enough to accommodate all the thighs without overlapping. Pour the oil into the tray, followed by the water. It's essential for the oil to be mixed with water, as this mixture will help cook the thighs evenly, giving them a crispy crust while keeping them juicy inside.

3. Seasoning: Sprinkle a handful of salt over the oil and water mixture. This step will help flavor the meat. Place the thighs in the tray skin-side up to achieve a delicious crust. Sprinkle white pepper and dried basil over the thighs. The basil will add a Mediterranean touch to your dish.

4. Baking: Preheat the oven to 220 degrees Celsius. Place the tray in the oven and let the thighs cook for 40-45 minutes. It's important to check them halfway through the cooking time; you can turn the thighs to ensure they brown evenly. If you notice they are browning too quickly, you can reduce the oven temperature by a few degrees.

5. Serving: Once the thighs are cooked, remove the tray from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier meat. You can serve them with various sides, such as mashed potatoes, green salad, or steamed vegetables. A salad of tomatoes and cucumbers would perfectly complement the meal.

Useful tips for a perfect result:

- Choosing the meat: Choose quality chicken thighs, preferably free-range, which are tastier and healthier. Free-range chickens have firmer and more flavorful meat.
- Spices: You can experiment with various spices, such as paprika, garlic powder, or herbs de Provence, to add more flavors.
- Vegetable option: Add diced potatoes, carrots, or onions to the tray for a complete meal without needing extra sides.
- Cooling: If you want to store leftovers, let them cool completely in the tray, then transfer them to an airtight container.

Nutritional information (per estimated serving):

- Calories: approximately 400-450 kcal
- Protein: 28 g
- Fat: 32 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use frozen chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use frozen thighs, but make sure to fully thaw them before cooking for even cooking.

2. What type of oil is best for this recipe?
Olive oil provides a better flavor, but you can also use sunflower or canola oil.

3. Can I cook the thighs in a slow cooker?
Yes, if you use a slow cooker, setting it on "low" for 6-8 hours will produce extremely tender meat.

These baked chicken thighs are perfect for a family dinner or to impress guests. With such a simple and delicious recipe, you can't go wrong. Enjoy every bite and relish the cheerful conversations with your loved ones! Bon appétit!