Oven-baked thighs with vegetables

Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs with Vegetables — a delicious and comforting recipe, perfect for a family meal or a dinner with friends. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also promises an explosion of flavors that will delight everyone's taste buds. I invite you to discover how to make these juicy chicken thighs, accompanied by fresh and aromatic vegetables.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 55 minutes
Total: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

- 3 chicken thighs
- 100 g baby carrots
- 300 g green beans
- 6 garlic cloves
- 1 onion
- 5 potatoes
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 5 champignon mushrooms
- Fresh dill
- Dried dill
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- Chicken seasoning (your preferred blend, with paprika, garlic, onion, etc.)
- Oil (olive or sunflower)
- Salt
- Pepper

A Brief History

Oven-baked chicken thighs are a traditional recipe in many cultures, often prepared on festive days or at family Sunday meals. Slowly cooked in the oven, the thighs become tender and full of flavor, and the added vegetables not only enhance the taste but also the nutritional benefits. This recipe has evolved over time, being reinterpreted and adapted based on available ingredients and culinary preferences.

Step by Step for a Perfect Recipe

1. Marinating the chicken thighs (ideally a day in advance):
- In a large bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of oil, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, dried dill, and the chicken seasoning. Mix well. This marinade will add intense flavor and make the meat more tender.
- Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Marinating a day in advance will intensify the flavors, but if you're short on time, let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Preparing the vegetables:
- Peel the potatoes and cut them into quarters. Boil them in salted water. Cook for about 15 minutes or until they become slightly tender.
- In a separate pan, add 2 tablespoons of oil and sauté the finely chopped onion until it becomes translucent. Add the baby carrots and green beans, along with a cup of water to cover the vegetables. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Once the water has reduced, add the tomato paste, salt, and pepper to taste. Let it boil a few times to blend the flavors.

3. Baking the thighs:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C. Place the chicken thighs in the baking dish, along with the unpeeled garlic (this will add a delicious flavor). Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Ten minutes before they're done, remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 250°C to achieve a golden and crispy crust on the thighs.

4. Preparing the mushrooms:
- In another pan, add 2 tablespoons of oil and add the sliced mushrooms. Let them brown well to intensify their flavors.

5. Assembling the dish:
- Once the thighs are ready, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Place the thighs on plates, along with the cooked vegetables and browned mushrooms. Sprinkle fresh chopped dill on top to add a touch of freshness.

Serving Suggestions

These oven-baked chicken thighs with vegetables pair perfectly with a fresh green salad or a side of rice. Additionally, a glass of white wine or natural apple juice makes excellent accompaniments to complete the meal.

Tips and Tricks

- For an even more intense flavor, try adding a bit of lemon juice to the marinade. This will help tenderize the meat and add a hint of acidity.
- If you want to experiment with vegetables, you can replace the green beans with zucchini or bell peppers to add a variety of colors and textures.
- Leftovers can be used to make a delicious soup or sandwich. The leftover chicken thighs can be deboned and used in salads or wraps.

Nutritional Benefits

This dish is packed with nutrients. Chicken thighs are an excellent source of protein, while the vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Additionally, mushrooms are rich in antioxidants, contributing to the maintenance of a healthy immune system.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of meat?
- Absolutely! This recipe also works with turkey or pork, but the cooking time may vary.

2. How can I make this dish easier?
- You can use boneless chicken thighs to reduce cooking time. Also, frozen vegetables can be a quick option.

3. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
- Yes, you can marinate the thighs a day ahead and bake them the next day. Additionally, the vegetables can be cooked a few hours in advance and reheated before serving.

Conclusion

These oven-baked chicken thighs with vegetables are more than just a meal; they are a culinary experience that brings family and friends together. With the rich aroma of the marinade, the crispy texture of the skin, and the freshness of the vegetables, every bite will be a delight. I encourage you to try this recipe and adapt it to your tastes. Don't forget to share this recipe with your loved ones and enjoy every moment spent around the table!