Chicken thighs with chestnuts

Let's embark on a culinary journey full of flavors and textures, where succulent chicken meat intertwines with the sweetness of roasted chestnuts. This recipe is perfect for the cold season when chestnuts are in full bloom and delight us with their unique aroma. Whether you're a cooking enthusiast or just looking to try something new, this chicken thigh recipe with chestnuts will surely become a family favorite.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

- 6 chicken thighs (drumsticks)
- 1 large onion
- 1 tomato
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 150 g roasted and peeled chestnuts
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
- Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 100 ml sweet white wine

Short history:
Chicken thighs with chestnuts have a long tradition in the cuisine of many cultures. Each ingredient brings its own story, and chestnuts, with their rich texture and sweet flavor, have been used for centuries as an important food source. They were often consumed as is, but also integrated into savory meat dishes. The combination of chicken meat with chestnuts is a wonderful way to bring a comforting yet sophisticated dish to the table.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the chestnuts: Start by roasting the chestnuts. Wash them well and soak them in water for 30 minutes. Then, change the water and let them sit for another 10 minutes. Score each chestnut with a sharp knife, being careful not to cut yourself. Place them on a baking tray and put them in a preheated oven at 200 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes. Shake the tray occasionally to ensure they roast evenly. The aroma of roasted chestnuts will fill the entire kitchen!

2. Preparing the meat: In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, ginger powder, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and mix well to coat them evenly with the marinade. Set them aside to marinate while you prepare the other ingredients.

3. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over low heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 2 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the diced yellow bell pepper and the chicken thighs. Cook on low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Adding the wine: Pour the sweet white wine into the skillet and cover with a lid. Let it simmer for 10 minutes so that the flavors can combine.

5. Finishing the dish: In the last 10 minutes of cooking, add the roasted, peeled, and chopped chestnuts along with the diced tomato. Gently stir to avoid crushing the chestnuts. Continue cooking until everything is well combined and the chicken is fully cooked.

6. Serving: Serve the chicken thighs with chestnuts alongside creamy mashed potatoes. This combination will add an extra layer of flavor to the dish, and the textures will be simply divine. You can garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness.

Useful tips:
- If you can't find fresh chestnuts, you can use canned or frozen chestnuts, but the flavor will be different.
- Experiment with other vegetables like carrots or zucchini to add more variety.
- You can substitute chicken with turkey or duck for a more sophisticated version.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of meat? Yes, this recipe can be adapted with various types of meat, such as turkey or a mix of pork.
- How can I make this recipe lower in calories? You can reduce the amount of oil and use chicken breast instead of thighs, which is leaner.
- What drinks pair well with this dish? A sweet white wine or apple cider would perfectly complement the flavors of this dish.

Nutritional benefits:
This recipe is rich in protein due to the chicken, and chestnuts provide a source of healthy carbohydrates, fiber, and vitamins. Additionally, ginger has anti-inflammatory properties, while onion and tomato are packed with antioxidants.

I wish you great success in preparing this chicken thigh recipe with chestnuts! Each bite will bring joy and comfort on the colder autumn days. I invite you to share your culinary experience and explore other chestnut recipes, such as chestnut cream soup or delicious desserts with chestnut flour. Bon appétit!