Oven-baked chicken thighs

Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs with Flavorful Potatoes

Who doesn’t remember those ordinary days when the delicious aroma of a lovingly cooked meal gathers us around the table? Oven-baked chicken thighs are a classic, simple, and tasty recipe that brings a feeling of comfort and familiarity. In this recipe, I will guide you step by step to achieve tender, juicy, and perfectly browned chicken thighs, served alongside delicious potatoes.

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:

- 5 chicken thighs (preferably with skin, for a juicier result)
- 800 g potatoes (preferably new potatoes or white potatoes)
- 1 cup chicken broth (or water, but broth adds extra flavor)
- 50 g butter (or olive oil, for a healthier option)
- Chicken spices (salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, herbs, to taste)

Preparing the chicken thighs:

1. Preparing the thighs: Rinse the chicken thighs well under cold running water. Pat them dry with a paper towel. This step is essential for achieving a crispy skin at the end.

2. Seasoning: In a bowl, combine your favorite spices. A classic combination would include salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Rub the thighs with the spice mixture, ensuring they are well coated. Let the thighs marinate in the refrigerator for 1 hour. This step not only enhances the flavor but also helps tenderize the meat.

Preparing the potatoes:

3. Preparing the potatoes: Peel the potatoes and cut them into thick slices of about 2 cm. This thickness will help them cook evenly and absorb flavors from the oven.

4. Seasoning the potatoes: In a separate bowl, sprinkle them with salt, pepper, and, if desired, a bit of rosemary or thyme for extra flavor. Mix well to ensure an even coating.

Assembling the dish:

5. In a baking dish, add the butter (or olive oil). Heat the dish in the preheated oven at 180°C for 5-10 minutes until the butter melts.

6. Place the potato slices in the hot dish, then lay the chicken thighs on top. This step will allow the potatoes to absorb the juices from the thighs while baking, resulting in an extremely flavorful dish.

7. Pour the chicken broth (or water) over everything, being careful to cover the potatoes as evenly as possible. This liquid will help maintain moisture and intensify the flavors.

Baking the dish:

8. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour, until the thighs become browned and crispy. Check occasionally, and if you want an even crispier crust, you can turn on the grill function in the last 10 minutes of baking.

9. Finally, remove the dish from the oven and let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This step is important as it allows the juices to redistribute in the meat.

Serving and suggestions:

Serve the chicken thighs alongside the flavorful potatoes, drizzled with a bit of sauce from the dish for a special taste. A fresh green salad or grilled vegetables would be ideal accompaniments for a balanced lunch or dinner.

Interesting variations:

To give the recipe a unique twist, you can add vegetables such as carrots or onions, placing them alongside the potatoes. Also, experiment with different types of spices, such as curry or chimichurri, to change the flavor profile.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Of course! However, the baking time will need to be adjusted as the breast cooks faster. Check them after 30-35 minutes.

2. How can I tell if the thighs are cooked?
The safest method is to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should be about 75°C in the thickest part of the thigh.

3. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes! You can season the thighs and potatoes a day ahead and leave them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, all you need to do is place them in the dish and pop them in the oven.

Calories and nutritional benefits:

A serving of oven-baked chicken thighs with potatoes contains approximately 400-500 calories, depending on the amount of butter used and the serving size. Chicken thighs are an excellent source of protein, and potatoes are rich in carbohydrates and fiber, providing you with the energy needed for an active day.

So, don’t hesitate to try this recipe for oven-baked chicken thighs with potatoes! It’s simple, quick, and, above all, delicious. The memories created around the table are the most precious, and with this recipe, you will bring smiles and unforgettable moments to your family’s table. Enjoy your meal!