Tuscan-style chicken thighs

Tuscan-style chicken thighs

I propose we discover together a delicious and simple recipe inspired by culinary traditions, bringing together the diverse flavors of fresh ingredients. Tuscan-style chicken thighs are an excellent choice for a warm family dinner or to impress guests. With a preparation time of about 1 hour, this recipe offers not only an exceptional taste but also an appetizing sight on the table. Let's get started!

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 2 chicken thighs
- 1/2 red bell pepper
- 1/2 green bell pepper
- 100 ml red wine
- 200 g olives (preferably green)
- 300 g chopped tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 6 cloves of garlic
- 1 large onion
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon hot paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon curry
- salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons olive oil

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by peeling the onion and bell peppers. Slice the onion thinly and dice the bell peppers. These vegetables will form a flavor base that the chicken thighs will absorb while baking.

2. Preparing the base: In a large baking dish, add the sliced onion and diced bell pepper, then pour in the 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix well to coat them evenly with the oil and set aside.

3. Marinating the chicken thighs: In a bowl, combine the remaining olive oil with basil, sweet paprika, hot paprika, curry, salt, and pepper. Mix well until you achieve a smooth paste. Take the chicken thighs and coat them with this mixture, ensuring they are evenly covered. This marinade will not only add flavor but will also make the meat incredibly tender.

4. Baking the thighs: Place the chicken thighs over the onion and bell pepper mixture in the baking dish. Add a little water (about 50 ml) to the dish to prevent the ingredients from burning during baking. Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F) and place the dish inside. Bake the thighs for 25-30 minutes, turning them halfway through. This technique will ensure even browning.

5. Adding additional ingredients: Once the thighs start to brown, add the chopped tomatoes, red wine, and olives to the dish. The wine will add depth of flavor, and the olives will provide an interesting texture. Gently mix to combine all ingredients.

6. Continuing to bake: Put the dish back in the oven and let everything bake for another 25-30 minutes. At the end, coat the thighs with the sauce from the dish and turn them on both sides. This step will ensure that the thighs are covered in a rich and flavorful sauce.

7. Adding garlic: Slice the garlic thinly and add it to the dish. Gently mix to incorporate it into the sauce. Let everything bake for another 5 minutes until the garlic becomes golden and fragrant.

8. Serving: Tuscan-style chicken thighs are delicious served alongside roasted vegetable sides or even with a fresh salad. Personally, I recommend serving them with fresh bread to soak up the delicious sauce. It’s a true feast!

Helpful tips:
- If you don’t have green olives, you can use black olives, but the taste will be slightly different.
- You can also add other vegetables, such as carrots or zucchini, to diversify the recipe.
- For an explosion of flavors, you can drizzle everything with a little lemon juice before serving.

Nutritional benefits:
This chicken thigh recipe is an excellent source of protein, while the vegetables provide important vitamins and minerals. Olives are rich in antioxidants and healthy fats, which contribute to heart health.

Calories:
One serving of this recipe contains approximately 400-450 calories, depending on the amount of oil used and the side dish. It’s a balanced and satisfying meal.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, the recipe adapts very well, but the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the meat.

2. How can I make the recipe spicier?
Add more hot paprika or even a few slices of fresh chili peppers to the sauce.

3. Can I cook this recipe on the grill?
Yes, you can grill the thighs, making sure to marinate them well and turn them frequently to avoid drying out.

I encourage you to try this Tuscan-style chicken thigh recipe, enjoy every bite, and share it with your loved ones. Cooking can be a true art, and with each recipe you try, you become more skilled. Enjoy your meal!