Chicken thighs with vegetable sauce

Chicken thighs with vegetable sauce - a simple and delicious recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4

This recipe for chicken thighs with vegetable sauce is truly a delight, bringing together the rich flavors of fresh vegetables and the juiciness of chicken meat. It is a perfect choice for a family dinner or for a more festive meal, where comfort and taste blend harmoniously. Additionally, this recipe is easy to adapt based on the ingredients you have on hand, making it extremely versatile.

History of chicken thighs with vegetable sauce

Chicken thighs have been consumed throughout history as an accessible and nutritious food. In many cultures, chicken has been used in various traditional dishes, appreciated for its delicate taste and versatility in cooking. The vegetable sauce adds an extra layer of flavor, and the combination of ingredients transforms this dish into a true celebration of flavors.

Ingredients needed for chicken thighs with vegetable sauce

- 4 chicken thighs (about 800g)
- 2 carrots
- 1 parsnip
- 1 small piece of celery
- 1 onion
- 1 teaspoon of pepper paste
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon of flour
- Oil for sautéing

Useful tips about ingredients

- Choose chicken thighs with skin, as this will add extra flavor and help retain the juiciness of the meat.
- Fresh vegetables are essential for a flavorful sauce. If you have seasonal vegetables on hand, feel free to incorporate them into the recipe!
- Pepper paste is an ingredient that brings an intense taste and a pleasant color to the dish. If you don't have it, you can use roasted peppers or tomato puree.

How to prepare chicken thighs with vegetable sauce

1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by peeling and grating the carrots, parsnip, celery, and onion. These vegetables will form the aromatic base of your sauce.

2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a pan, add a little oil (about 2-3 tablespoons) and add the grated vegetables to sauté. Sauté them over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly, until they become slightly soft and the flavors intensify.

3. Assembling the dish: In a baking dish, pour the sautéed vegetables. They will form a delicious bed for the chicken thighs.

4. Preparing the meat: Clean the chicken thighs, wash them well under cold water, and season with salt and pepper. Place the thighs on the bed of vegetables in the baking dish, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

5. Adding the liquid: Pour water into the dish, enough to cover the thighs. This step is essential for obtaining tender and juicy meat.

6. Baking: Cover the dish with aluminum foil or a lid and place it in the preheated oven at 180°C for about 1 hour. During this time, the thighs will simmer in the flavors of the vegetables and become extremely tasty.

7. Preparing the sauce: After 1 hour, remove the thighs from the oven and keep them warm. On the stovetop, place the dish with the vegetables and the sauce left by the thighs. In a bowl, mix a tablespoon of flour with a little water to avoid lumps.

8. Thickening the sauce: Pour the flour and water mixture over the vegetable sauce in the baking dish and mix well. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

9. Serving: Chicken thighs with vegetable sauce can be served alongside mashed potatoes, a side of rice, or pasta, as I chose. A delicious suggestion is to add a fresh salad for a contrast of textures!

Calories and nutritional benefits

This recipe offers about 400 calories per serving, providing a good source of protein from chicken and vitamins from vegetables. Carrots, parsnip, and celery are rich in fiber and antioxidants, contributing to a balanced diet. This meal is not only tasty but also nutritious, ideal for a family dinner!

Possible variations

- Substitute vegetables with your favorites: you can add zucchini, bell peppers, or even mushrooms to diversify the flavors!
- If you want a spicier sauce, add a pinch of hot pepper or a few drops of Worcestershire sauce.
- Instead of chicken thighs, you can use pieces of baked chicken or chicken breast, but the baking time will change.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of meat?
Of course! The recipe works well with pork or turkey, but make sure to adjust the baking time.

2. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the vegetables and chicken thighs and keep them in the refrigerator until baking time.

3. What can I do with leftovers?
Leftover chicken thighs can be used in salads, sandwiches, or stir-fried dishes.

4. How can I adapt the recipe for a vegetarian diet?
Replace the chicken with tofu or seitan and use seasonal vegetables to create a delicious sauce.

This recipe for chicken thighs with vegetable sauce is simple, tasty, and full of life, perfect for bringing joy to any meal. Try it and let its flavors carry you away!