This recipe for juicy baked chicken thighs is inspired by a restaurant trick I learned. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese creates a deliciously comforting meal. Here’s how to prepare it:
Ingredients:
- For the Chicken:
- 6 chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- A pinch of black pepper
- A pinch of garlic flakes
- 1 teaspoon of crushed garlic (about 2 cloves)
- For the Vegetables:
- 1 medium onion
- 3 medium potatoes
- For the Sauce and Topping:
- 200 grams of heavy cream
- 200 grams of grated mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures that the oven is hot and ready for roasting, which helps achieve a crispy and golden finish.
2. Prepare the Chicken Thighs:
- Place 6 chicken thighs on a clean work surface.
- Season each thigh with 1 teaspoon of salt. Add a pinch of black pepper and a pinch of garlic flakes to enhance the flavor.
- Spread 1 teaspoon of crushed garlic evenly over each chicken thigh. This adds a robust garlic flavor to the meat.
3. Prepare the Vegetables:
- Peel and thinly slice 1 medium onion. The thin strips will cook quickly and infuse the dish with flavor.
- Peel and cut 3 medium potatoes into bite-sized pieces. This ensures that the potatoes cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the chicken and cream.
4. Assemble the Dish:
- Take a large baking tray and spread the chicken thighs evenly in the center.
- Add the sliced onions and potato pieces around the chicken thighs. Spread them out evenly so that all the ingredients cook uniformly.
- Pour 200 grams of heavy cream over the chicken, onions, and potatoes. The cream will create a rich, creamy sauce that enhances the flavor of the dish.
5. Roast the Chicken:
- Place the baking tray in the preheated oven.
- Roast for 40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender. The cream will thicken slightly during this time, coating the chicken and vegetables with a luscious sauce.
6. Add the Cheese:
- After 40 minutes, remove the tray from the oven.
- Sprinkle 200 grams of grated mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken, onions, and potatoes.
- Return the tray to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the cheese has melted and browned to your liking, remove the baking tray from the oven.
- Let the dish sit for a few minutes to cool slightly before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to portion out.
- Serve the juicy chicken thighs with the creamy potatoes and onions alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips for Success:
- Chicken Thighs: Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for extra juiciness and flavor. If you prefer, you can remove the skin for a slightly leaner option.
- Potatoes: Make sure to cut the potatoes into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. You can also add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or carrots, if desired.
- Cream: The heavy cream creates a rich sauce, but you can substitute with half-and-half or milk if you prefer a lighter version.
- Cheese: For extra flavor, consider using a blend of cheeses, such as mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Roasting: If you find that the chicken or potatoes are not browning as much as you’d like, you can place the tray under the broiler for a few minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
This recipe is a perfect combination of savory chicken, creamy sauce, and comforting potatoes. It’s an easy yet impressive dish that’s sure to become a favorite at your dinner table. Enjoy every bite, and see you next time with another delicious recipe!
Feel free to adjust the seasoning and ingredients according to your taste preferences. Enjoy your meal!
