Oven-baked thighs with polenta

Oven-baked chicken thighs with polenta: a rustic and comforting recipe

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4

If you're looking for a recipe that combines the delicious flavors of tender meat with a traditional side dish, you've come to the right place. Oven-baked chicken thighs with polenta are a dish that will remind you of family meals filled with joy and good cheer. This recipe is simple yet full of flavor and, most importantly, it’s an excellent choice for a comforting dinner.

It's never too late to start cooking, and this is an ideal recipe for any level of experience. Additionally, polenta is a side dish that can be customized according to your preferences, bringing a touch of creativity to your plate. Get ready to discover all the secrets of this delicious recipe!

Necessary ingredients

- 4 chicken thighs (you can use either upper or lower thighs, depending on your preference)
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 2-3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Oregano, to taste
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Juice of half a lemon
- A cup of water

Necessary utensils

- A baking dish or a roasting pan
- Wooden spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Small bowl for sauce

Step by step in preparing the recipe

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by washing the chicken thighs well and drying them with a paper towel. This step is essential for the skin to become crispy during baking. Chop the onion and garlic, and slice the carrot thinly for even cooking.

2. Preparing the sauce
In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and oregano. This sauce will add a wonderful flavor to your thighs. Make sure all ingredients are well integrated.

3. Arranging the ingredients in the dish
Preheat the oven to 190°C. In the baking dish, add the tablespoon of butter and grease the bottom well. Place the chicken thighs, then pour the prepared sauce over them. Before adding the vegetables, splash the thighs with a few drops of water to prevent drying out.

4. Adding the vegetables
Place the chopped onion, carrot, and garlic on top of the thighs. These vegetables will add moisture and flavor to your dish. Add the cup of water to the dish, which will help form a savory sauce during baking.

5. Baking the thighs
Place the dish in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 60 minutes. It’s important to check the thighs halfway through the baking time; if you notice they are browning too quickly, you can cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

6. Finishing the dish
In the last 10-15 minutes of baking, remove the foil (if you used it) to allow the thighs to become golden and crispy. When ready, take the dish out of the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Preparing the polenta

To complete the meal, prepare polenta:

1. Ingredients for polenta
- 200 g of cornmeal
- 1 liter of water
- Salt, to taste

2. Boiling the water
In a large pot, bring the water to a boil. Add a teaspoon of salt for extra flavor.

3. Adding the cornmeal
When the water is boiling, gradually add the cornmeal, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Keep stirring for 5-10 minutes until the polenta becomes creamy and pulls away from the sides of the pot.

4. Serving the polenta
You can serve the polenta either hot or let it cool and cut it into slices. It’s perfect for accompanying the oven-baked thighs.

Chef's tip

If you want to add a touch of freshness, you can sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley over the thighs before serving. This will add a contrast of color and a delicious flavor.

Nutritional benefits

Chicken thighs are an excellent source of protein, and when combined with vegetables, they make a balanced meal. Polenta is rich in carbohydrates, providing the necessary energy for an active day.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can replace chicken thighs with chicken breast or even pork, but the cooking time may vary.

2. Can I add other vegetables?
Of course! You can experiment with diced potatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini, which will cook perfectly alongside the meat.

3. What is the best side dish for oven-baked chicken thighs?
Polenta is the traditional choice, but you can also opt for mashed potatoes or a green salad to add freshness.

Enjoy this recipe for oven-baked thighs with polenta alongside your loved ones and savor a meal that blends tradition with modern flavors. It can easily become one of your favorite weekend recipes!