Chicken thighs with mustard and Hasselback potatoes

Chicken thighs with mustard and Hasselback potatoes: A quick and delicious recipe

When you think of a savory yet quick lunch, chicken thighs with mustard and Hasselback potatoes are the perfect choice. This recipe will not only satisfy your hunger but also bring a touch of elegance to your table. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

For the chicken thighs:
- 2 whole chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons mustard (preferably Dijon for an intense flavor)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 5-6 cloves of garlic (fresh for better flavor)
- Thyme (fresh or dried, according to preference)
- Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Hasselback potatoes:
- 4 medium potatoes (choose potatoes with a good texture, such as red or yellow)
- 60 g butter (softened for easy mixing)
- 3 cloves of garlic (crushed for intense aroma)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Thyme or other herbs, according to preference

Step by step:

1. Preparing the chicken thighs:
- Start by washing the chicken thighs well under cold running water. This step is essential to remove any impurities.
- Cut the thighs in half, into slices, so they cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the spices.

2. Preparing the marinade:
- In a small bowl, mix the mustard, olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, and crushed garlic. This mixture will add delicious flavor to the chicken.
- Coat the chicken thighs on all sides with this mixture, ensuring they are well covered.

3. Preparing the Hasselback potatoes:
- Peel the potatoes and, using a sharp knife, slice them thinly, leaving the base intact. These cuts will allow the flavored butter to penetrate the potatoes, giving them a crispy texture and savory taste.
- Season the potatoes with salt and pepper.

4. Preparing the flavored butter:
- Mix the softened butter with the crushed garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. You can also experiment with other herbs or spices, such as rosemary or parsley, to customize your flavor.
- Fill each slit of the potatoes with this flavored butter, giving them an extra burst of flavor.

5. Assembling and baking:
- In a greased baking dish, place the chicken thighs and Hasselback potatoes. Make sure there is enough space between them to cook evenly.
- Preheat the oven to 200°C and bake for 25 minutes. Then, turn the thighs and let them brown for another 15-20 minutes, until the meat is crispy and golden.

6. Serving:
- Serve the chicken thighs alongside the Hasselback potatoes, together with a fresh salad. A rocket salad with cherry tomatoes and lemon dressing pairs perfectly!

Suggestions and variations:
- You can replace the mustard with other sauces, such as barbecue sauce for a sweeter taste or soy sauce for an Asian twist.
- Hasselback potatoes can be made with grated cheese between the layers, adding extra flavor.
- Instead of thyme, you can experiment with oregano or basil, depending on your preferences.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
- This recipe is an excellent source of protein from the chicken and carbohydrates from the potatoes, providing a balanced meal.
- Chicken thighs contain B vitamins, essential for energy metabolism, while garlic offers antioxidant benefits.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs? Yes, but the baking time will be shorter, so check the meat earlier.
- Can I prepare the recipe in advance? Yes, you can marinate the thighs a day ahead and keep them in the fridge. The potatoes can also be prepared, but I recommend baking them fresh to maintain their crispy texture.

Chicken thighs with mustard and Hasselback potatoes are not only a quick meal but also a true delicacy to share with family and friends. Don't forget to enjoy every bite and experiment with your favorite spices to make this recipe truly yours! Enjoy your meal!