marinated chicken thighs in a cupor

Oven-Marinated Chicken Thighs - A Flavorful and Satisfying Delicacy

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Marinating time: 3 hours
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total: 3 hours and 55 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Welcome to a culinary adventure where we will discover together the secret of oven-marinated chicken thighs, a recipe that perfectly combines the flavors of herbs with the juiciness of the meat. This recipe is ideal for a family dinner or to impress friends at a festive meal. Chicken thighs are a versatile ingredient, and through marination, they become truly delicious.

The history of the marinated chicken thigh recipe is an old one, with deep roots in culinary traditions. Marinating meat is a technique used for centuries to enhance texture and add flavors. Whether it’s herbs, spices, or sauces, marinating transforms a simple piece of meat into a true culinary masterpiece.

Ingredients

- 6 chicken thighs (preferably skin-on for a crispy texture)
- 2 tablespoons of mustard (choose a quality mustard with an intense flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or fresh if available)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (for a richer taste)
- 4-5 garlic cloves (crushed to release flavor)
- 2-3 bay leaves (torn into pieces)
- 100 ml dry white wine (or water, depending on preference)
- Breadcrumbs (for a crispy crust)

Necessary utensils

- A large bowl for marinating
- A covered baking dish (or a container with plastic wrap)
- A baking tray
- Parchment paper
- Aluminum foil

Preparation steps

Step 1: Preparing the marinade

1. Washing the meat: Start by washing the chicken thighs well under cold water. This not only removes impurities but also helps with even marination.
2. Drying the meat: Use a kitchen towel to pat each thigh dry, ensuring they are moisture-free. This will help the marinade adhere better to the meat.
3. Preparing the spice mix: In a large bowl, combine the basil, oregano, rosemary, and crushed garlic. Add the torn bay leaves to enhance the flavor.

Step 2: Marinating the thighs

4. Creating the marinade: In another bowl, mix the mustard with the olive oil, similar to making mayonnaise. This technique will create a creamy base that will coat the meat evenly.
5. Adding the wine: Incorporate the white wine into the mustard and oil mixture, stirring well to obtain a homogeneous marinade.
6. Coating the thighs: Pour the marinade over the chicken thighs and ensure each piece is well coated. Then, place the thighs in a covered dish, cover them, and refrigerate for about 3 hours. This step is crucial; the longer the thighs marinate, the more flavorful they will be.

Step 3: Baking the thighs

7. Preheating the oven: Preheat the oven to 200°C (approximately 390°F) to ensure even baking.
8. Preparing the tray: Line a baking tray with parchment paper. This will prevent the thighs from sticking and make cleanup easier.
9. Coating with breadcrumbs: Remove the thighs from the marinade and shake off excess. Then, dip each thigh in breadcrumbs, ensuring they are evenly coated. This technique will give a delicious crispy crust.
10. Arranging in the tray: Place the thighs in the prepared tray. Add a cup of water or wine to the tray to prevent the meat from drying out during baking.
11. Covering with foil: Cover the tray with aluminum foil to retain moisture during the first baking stage.

Step 4: Final baking

12. Baking: Place the tray in the oven and bake for 30 minutes. This time will allow the thighs to cook evenly and become juicy.
13. Removing the foil: After 30 minutes, take the tray out of the oven, remove the aluminum foil, and let the thighs bake for another 10 minutes. This step will help form a crispy crust on top.

Practical tips

- Using fresh herbs: If you have fresh herbs available, don’t hesitate to use them. The flavors will be much more intense.
- Long-term marination: If you have time, you can let the thighs marinate overnight. The flavor will be even deeper and more savory.
- Variations: You can add other spices or sauces to the marinade, such as soy sauce or honey, for different flavors.
- Serving: These delicious thighs pair perfectly with a side of grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. You can accompany the meal with a white wine or a cold lemonade.

Nutritional information

A serving of oven-marinated chicken thighs contains approximately 300-350 calories, depending on the amount of oil used and the cooking method. This recipe is high in protein, with a low carbohydrate content, making it ideal for a balanced diet. Olive oil provides healthy fatty acids, and the herbs add beneficial antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use skinless chicken thighs? Yes, but you will lose the crispy texture and some flavor.
- What other sides can I try? Besides grilled vegetables, you can try baked potatoes, vegetable rice, or a quinoa salad.
- How can I store leftover thighs? Seal them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for 2-3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave.

This oven-marinated chicken thigh recipe is not only simple but also full of flavor, offering you a special dish that will delight everyone's taste buds. Whether you prepare it for a festive meal or a weekly dinner, I promise it will quickly become your favorite! So, don’t wait any longer, put on your apron and let’s start cooking!