Chicken thighs in a bag with spicy vegetable sauce

Chicken Thighs in a Bag with Spicy Vegetable Sauce

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 4

I invite you to discover an exceptional recipe, perfect for a family dinner or to impress your guests. Chicken thighs in a bag with spicy vegetable sauce are not only delicious but also easy to prepare! This bag cooking technique retains the juiciness of the meat and intensifies the flavors of the vegetables, providing you with a healthy, flavorful meal.

A little about the history of the recipe

Bag cooking is an ancient technique used for generations to preserve the flavors and juices of ingredients. This method is somewhat similar to steaming, keeping the nutrients and vibrant colors of the vegetables. Our recipe combines delicious meat with fresh vegetables, resulting in a dish that will delight your taste buds.

Ingredients

For chicken thighs:
- 4 chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 paper bags or a thicker sheet of paper (make sure it is not chemically treated)

For the vegetable sauce:
- 1 carrot
- 1 onion
- 1 piece of celery (about 100 g)
- 1 parsley root (about 100 g)
- ½ head of garlic
- 1-2 peppercorns
- ½ bay leaf
- 1 cup tomato juice
- 1 cup meat broth (or water, or red wine)

Preparing the chicken thighs

1. Start by preheating the oven to 200°C. It is essential to have a well-heated oven to achieve even baking and a delicious crust on the meat.

2. In a bowl, season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, paprika, rosemary, and thyme. These spices will not only add flavor but also a beautiful color to the meat.

3. Generously coat the paper bag with olive oil. This step is crucial as it will prevent the meat from sticking to the paper and help achieve a tender texture.

4. Place the seasoned thighs in the bag and tightly seal the opening. It is important not to leave air in the bag to avoid it opening during baking.

5. Place the bags in a baking tray and put them in the oven for about 1 hour. You can check occasionally, but do not open the oven door too often to avoid losing heat.

Preparing the vegetable sauce

1. While the chicken is in the oven, you can prepare the sauce. Finely chop the onion and peel all the vegetables. The carrot, celery, and parsley root can be grated on a fine grater or sliced thinly, according to your preference.

2. In a large skillet, heat a few tablespoons of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent.

3. Add the chopped vegetables (carrot, celery, parsley) and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they start to soften.

4. Pour the tomato juice over the vegetables and let it simmer on low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Add the meat broth (or water, or red wine) and season with pepper, bay leaf, thyme, and salt to taste. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes for the flavors to meld.

Finalizing the dish

1. After an hour, take the chicken out of the oven. Carefully tear the paper bag and place the thighs on a platter.

2. Pour the vegetable sauce over the chicken and serve immediately. You can garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, for a pleasant and fresh appearance.

Serving suggestions and variations

This dish pairs perfectly with plain rice or mashed potatoes, but it can also be served with pasta. If you like a stronger flavor, feel free to add some green or black olives to the sauce. Additionally, a bottle of white or red wine will perfectly complement the flavors of this dish.

Nutritional information

This recipe for chicken thighs in a bag contains approximately 350 calories per serving, depending on the amount of oil and sauces added. Chicken thighs are an excellent source of protein, and the vegetables used provide an important intake of vitamins and minerals, being rich in fiber.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other cuts of meat?
Yes, you can replace chicken thighs with chicken breasts or even pork, but keep in mind that the cooking time may vary.

2. Can I make the sauce without tomatoes?
Of course! You can try a sauce based on sour cream or a white sauce with cheese, which will add a creamy texture.

3. How can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.

I invite you to try this recipe and enjoy a delicious dish that will bring joy to every meal! Bon appétit!