Oven-baked chicken thighs

Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs – a simple and delicious recipe that will turn any meal into a culinary celebration. These juicy, flavorful, and crispy thighs are perfect for a quick dinner or to impress guests. Baking retains all the juices and flavors, and the roasted vegetable side complements them perfectly. Let's venture into the world of delightful chicken thighs!

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 2

Ingredients
- 2 whole chicken thighs
- 1 sprig of fresh rosemary
- 1 sprig of fresh thyme
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 3-4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- Chopped herbs (oregano, basil, etc.)
- 100 ml water
- 1 teaspoon hot pepper paste (optional, for extra spice)

Recipe Story
Oven-baked chicken recipes have been passed down through generations, each adding a personal touch, a favorite flavor, or a secret ingredient. Chicken thighs, with their tender texture and rich taste, are perfect for experimenting with various spice combinations. When cooked correctly, they become a delicacy, each bite bursting with flavor.

Preparing Chicken Thighs

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by washing the chicken thighs well under cold running water. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Choose high-quality chicken, preferably raised naturally, for exceptional flavor.

2. Seasoning the thighs
In a heatproof dish, place the chicken thighs. Add the onion slices and chopped garlic, which will provide an intense aroma and irresistible scent.

3. Preparing the sauce
In a separate bowl, mix 100 ml of water with a teaspoon of sweet paprika, salt, pepper, and chopped herbs. This mixture will become the base of your sauce. If you want a spicier flavor, add the hot pepper paste.

4. Pouring the sauce
Pour the water and spice mixture over the chicken thighs. Ensure all parts are well coated with the sauce.

5. Adding fresh herbs
Place the sprig of rosemary and thyme over the thighs. These herbs will infuse the meat with divine flavors during baking.

6. Preheating the oven
Preheat the oven to 220 degrees Celsius. This is the ideal temperature for achieving a crispy crust and juicy meat.

7. Baking
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven for the first 20 minutes. This will help retain moisture. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and let the thighs brown for another 20 minutes until golden and crispy.

Perfect Side Dish
This time, I chose to serve the chicken thighs with roasted vegetables. You can use carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, or even potatoes, cut into equal-sized pieces. You can drizzle the vegetables with a little olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs before adding them to the oven.

Practical Tips
- Dietary option: If you want to reduce calories, you can eliminate the potatoes from the side dish and add green vegetables, such as green beans or broccoli.
- Alternative flavors: Instead of sweet paprika, you can try curry or turmeric for an exotic touch.
- For an elegant presentation: Add a few fresh parsley or basil leaves on top of the dish before serving for a pleasing look and an extra burst of flavor.

Nutritional Information
On average, a serving of oven-baked chicken thighs contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of oil used and side dishes. Chicken thighs are an excellent source of protein, B vitamins, and essential minerals. Eating oven-baked chicken is also a healthy option as it reduces the amount of added fats compared to frying.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs, but the cooking time will be reduced. Ensure the meat is well cooked, with no pink inside.

- How can I store leftovers?
Chicken thighs can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave.

- What can I pair these chicken thighs with?
These oven-baked chicken thighs can be served alongside a fresh salad, rice, or mashed potatoes. Grilled eggplant or a quinoa salad would also be excellent combinations.

Cook this oven-baked chicken thigh recipe and enjoy every bite! It’s a simple yet flavorful recipe, perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a quick dinner during the week or a special meal with friends, these chicken thighs will surely be a hit!