Chicken thighs with a side dish

Chicken thighs with vegetable garnish – A delicious and colorful recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 4

When it comes to traditional dishes that remind us of family meals, oven-baked chicken thighs with the perfect garnish are definitely at the top of the list. This recipe is not only simple but also extremely versatile, allowing you to add a splash of color and flavor to your plate. What could be more comforting than a flavorful dish cooked with love?

Ingredients

For the oven-baked chicken thighs:
- 8-10 chicken thighs
- 4 large potatoes
- 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil or sunflower oil
- 1-2 tablespoons of seasoning or a preferred spice blend
- Ground garlic pepper (or fresh garlic, according to preference)

For the garnish sauce:
- 1/2 bell pepper (red or yellow)
- 1 large green onion
- 1 large carrot
- 2 garlic cloves
- A handful of fresh or dried dill
- 1 teaspoon of thyme (fresh or dried)
- 1 chili pepper (optional, for a touch of heat)
- 1 ripe tomato
- 100 g tomato paste
- 10 ml oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Water, as needed

Step-by-step preparation

1. Preparing the chicken thighs: Start by washing the chicken thighs well. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess water, then coat them with oil. Sprinkle with seasoning, garlic pepper, and a little salt if desired. Let the thighs marinate for 15-20 minutes to allow the spices to penetrate.

2. Preheating the oven: While the thighs are marinating, preheat the oven to a high temperature (about 200°C) to achieve a perfect crust.

3. Preparing the potatoes: Peel the potatoes and cut them into thick slices or sticks, depending on preference. Place them in a greased baking dish. You can also add a little salt over the potatoes for extra flavor.

4. Arranging the thighs: Once marinated, place the chicken thighs on top of the potatoes in the baking dish. Cover everything with aluminum foil to allow for even cooking and to maintain the juiciness of the meat.

5. Baking: Place the dish in the oven and let the thighs and potatoes bake for about 50 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the aluminum foil to allow the thighs to brown nicely.

6. Preparing the garnish sauce: In a pan, add a little oil and sauté the chopped green onion, grated carrot, and diced bell pepper. Stir continuously for 5 minutes. Add the crushed garlic, dill, and thyme, stirring again.

7. Finishing the sauce: Once the vegetables are softened, add the tomato paste and a little water. Let the sauce simmer for 8-10 minutes until it thickens slightly and the flavors combine harmoniously. Finally, add salt and pepper to taste.

8. Serving: When the thighs and potatoes are ready, remove them from the oven and place them on a plate. Pour the garnish sauce over the chicken thighs and potatoes. You can decorate with a few fresh dill leaves for a more appealing look.

Helpful tips

- Vegetarian option: This recipe can be easily adapted. You can replace the chicken thighs with mushrooms or marinated tofu, and the potatoes can be substituted with steamed vegetables or fresh salad.
- Juiciness tricks: If you want the chicken thighs to be even juicier, you can marinate them overnight in yogurt with spices.
- Alternative garnishes: Instead of potatoes, you can use rice, quinoa, or any other preferred grain, and the garnish sauce can be served separately to allow each guest to personalize their plate.

Nutritional information

This recipe is rich in protein due to the chicken thighs, and the fresh vegetables provide an important source of vitamins and fiber. A serving of oven-baked chicken thighs with vegetable garnish contains approximately 500-600 calories, depending on the amount of oil used and the garnish.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs, but the baking time will be reduced, so you will need to be attentive to their cooking.

2. How can I prevent the potatoes from burning?
Make sure you have added enough oil, and if necessary, you can stir the potatoes halfway through the baking time to prevent sticking to the dish.

3. How can I adapt the recipe for a low-carb diet?
Replace the potatoes with cauliflower or sliced zucchini, which cook quickly and are low in carbohydrates.

Serving suggestions

This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a meal with friends. It can be paired with a fruity white wine or a fresh lemonade to complete the culinary experience. Additionally, a green salad with lemon and olive oil dressing would provide a pleasant contrast to the intense flavors of the dish.

Chicken thighs with vegetable garnish are more than just a simple dish; they are an invitation to enjoy moments spent with loved ones, surrounded by aromas and colors that delight the senses. So let’s cook together and turn every meal into a celebration of taste!