Chicken thighs with tomato and rosemary sauce

Chicken thighs with tomato and rosemary sauce

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 4

Who doesn’t love the enticing aroma of a lovingly cooked dinner? Chicken thighs with tomato and rosemary sauce are a savory dish, perfect for any meal, from a family dinner to a gathering with friends. This simple and quick recipe impresses not only with its taste but also with its ease of preparation. So, let’s get to work!

Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs (about 1 kg)
- 200 ml chicken broth (preferably homemade)
- 200 ml red wine (choose a quality wine)
- 4 tablespoons tomato paste
- 8 cherry tomatoes (fresh, for better taste)
- 2-3 garlic cloves (crushed to release flavor)
- 1 sprig of rosemary (fresh, but dried can be used)
- Salt and ground pepper to taste

Preparing the chicken thighs:

1. Preparing the meat: Start by cleaning and washing the chicken thighs well. This step is essential to ensure you remove any impurities. Then, place the thighs in a bowl of cold water and add a pinch of salt. This will help flavor the meat.

2. Initial boiling: Bring the water to a boil and let the thighs boil for 8-10 minutes. This step will help remove impurities and ensure more tender meat. Don’t forget to skim the broth to eliminate any impurities that may rise to the surface.

3. Seasoning: After boiling, remove the thighs from the water and let them drain. Now is the time to season them with salt and pepper to taste. These seasonings will enhance the meat's flavor and make each bite delicious.

4. Preparing the sauce: In a baking dish, place the chicken thighs. Mix the tomato paste with the chicken broth and pour this mixture over the meat. The red wine will add depth of flavor, so don’t hesitate to use a wine you’ve enjoyed before. Add the sprig of rosemary, crushed garlic cloves, and whole cherry tomatoes. The latter will add a touch of sweetness and freshness to the sauce.

5. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 30 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and let the thighs brown for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the sauce reduces and becomes concentrated. Make sure the thighs are well cooked, and the juices that come out of the meat are clear.

Serving:
These chicken thighs with tomato and rosemary sauce are delicious served alongside mashed potatoes or rice, and of course, a fresh salad. A green salad with lemon dressing would be perfect to balance the richness of the sauce.

Useful tips:
- Choosing the wine: Choose a red wine that you enjoy drinking, as it will influence the final taste of the dish. A Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon are excellent options.
- Vegetable variation: For an extra boost of nutrients, you can add diced vegetables such as carrots or bell peppers to the sauce. These will cook together with the thighs and add a pleasant texture.
- Caring for rosemary: If you have fresh rosemary in your garden, use it generously. Rosemary adds an intense and fresh flavor, but you can also adapt the recipe with other herbs, such as thyme or oregano.

Nutritional benefits:
Chicken thighs are an excellent source of protein, essential for building and repairing tissues. The tomato sauce, rich in lycopene, is known for its antioxidant properties, and garlic brings cardiovascular benefits. This recipe is not only delicious but also healthy!

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs? Yes, but the cooking time will be shorter, so make sure not to overcook them.
2. What can I use instead of wine? If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can replace the wine with grape juice or water with a splash of balsamic vinegar.
3. Can I prepare this dish in advance? Absolutely! You can cook the thighs a day ahead, and the flavor will be even better the next day.

The story behind this recipe is one of tradition and comfort. Chicken thighs with tomato and rosemary sauce are often associated with family meals, where each bite brings back memories of time spent together. So, prepare this recipe with love and enjoy its delights with your loved ones!