Thigh bed with baked potato bedding

Chicken Thighs on a Bed of Baked Potatoes

Do you want to enjoy a delicious meal that combines the authentic flavors of simple yet tasty ingredients? Then the recipe for Chicken Thighs on a Bed of Baked Potatoes is exactly what you are looking for! This rustic dish brings together juicy chicken thighs with a bed of potatoes and carrots, all slow-cooked to allow the flavors to develop. It is a perfect recipe for a family dinner or even a gathering with friends.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 4-5

Ingredients

- 4-5 chicken thighs
- 5-6 medium potatoes
- 1 larger carrot
- 6 cloves of garlic
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
- Salt, to taste
- 4-5 tablespoons of olive or sunflower oil
- 1 teaspoon of mustard
- Sweet paprika, to taste
- 1 cup of red wine
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste

Preparing the Thighs

1. Preparing the Thighs: Start by washing the chicken thighs well, ensuring that all feathers are removed. Then, cut each thigh in half; this will help with even cooking and allow for more effective marination.

2. Flavorful Marinade: In a bowl, peel and crush the 6 cloves of garlic. Add salt, pepper, mustard, sweet paprika, and oil. Mix the ingredients well until you obtain a smooth paste. Then, add the red wine and mix again. This marinade will give the thighs a rich flavor and a special taste.

3. Marinating the Thighs: Pour the marinade over the chicken thighs and ensure they are well coated. Let them marinate for about 30 minutes. If you have time, a longer marination will intensify the flavors even more.

Preparing the Bed

4. Preparing the Vegetables: While the thighs are marinating, peel the potatoes and cut them into quarters or sixths, depending on their size. Peel the carrot and cut it into rounds. These vegetables will not only contribute to the flavor but will also add a pleasant texture to the dish.

Assembling and Baking

5. Assembling the Tray: Preheat the oven to 200°C. Arrange the marinated chicken thighs in a tray. On top, arrange the potatoes and carrot rounds. Sprinkle a little salt over the vegetables to enhance their flavor.

6. Covering and Baking: Cover the tray with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Let it bake for 25 minutes. The covering will help retain moisture and prevent the meat from drying out.

7. Adding the Sauce: After the first 25 minutes, remove the tray from the oven and mix the tomato paste with 2-3 tablespoons of water. Pour this mixture over the chicken thighs and vegetables. Cover the tray again with foil and let it bake for another 15-20 minutes.

8. Finishing Cooking: Remove the aluminum foil and let the tray stay in the oven for another 15 minutes. This step will allow the thighs to become golden and crispy.

Serving

9. Serving: Remove the tray from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with pickles, a fresh salad, or even a serving of polenta, as is customary in our tradition.

Practical Tips

- Variations: You can add various vegetables, such as onions, peppers, or zucchini, for a more complex dish. Also, experiment with herbs like rosemary or thyme to add extra flavors.
- Pears and Wine: If you want to accompany this dish with a drink, a dry red wine will perfectly complement the flavors, but you can also opt for cider.
- Nutrition: This recipe is rich in protein due to the chicken thighs and contains carbohydrates from the potatoes, making it a balanced meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use turkey instead of chicken? Yes, turkey can be used as an alternative, but the cooking time may vary, so always check that it is fully cooked.
- What if I don’t have red wine? You can use balsamic vinegar or a mix of water and lemon juice to add acidity.
- How can I store leftovers? The thighs and vegetables can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days.

This recipe for Chicken Thighs on a Bed of Baked Potatoes is not only a feast for the senses but also a wonderful way to gather the family around the table. With every bite, you will feel the warmth and love that went into preparing this dish. So, let your imagination run wild and enjoy cooking!