Are you ready to elevate your chicken dinner game? Look no further than this mouthwatering recipe for Juicy Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs with Roasted Vegetables! With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that will leave your taste buds craving for more. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to make this irresistible dish!
Ingredients:
- 6 chicken thighs
- Salt
- Pepper
- Paprika
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 potatoes, cut into chunks
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 30g butter
- Vegetable oil
Instructions:
Preparing the Chicken Thighs:
- Seasoning: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Season both sides of the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika. Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
- Resting Time: Allow the seasoned chicken thighs to rest for about 15 minutes. This helps the seasoning to penetrate the meat, resulting in juicier and more flavorful chicken.
Preparing the Vegetables:
- Chopping Vegetables: While the chicken thighs are resting, prepare the vegetables. Chop the onion, cut the potatoes into chunks, and slice the carrots.
- Melt Butter: In a large skillet or oven-safe pan, melt the butter in vegetable oil over medium heat. The combination of butter and oil adds richness and flavor to the vegetables.
Cooking Process:
- Searing Chicken Thighs: Once the butter is melted and the pan is hot, add the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side down. Sear the chicken for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step helps to lock in the juices and create a crispy skin.
- Adding Vegetables: After searing the chicken, add the chopped onion, potatoes, and carrots to the pan. Toss the vegetables to coat them in the butter and oil mixture.
- Roasting in the Oven: Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and roast for about 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
Serving:
- Resting Time: Once cooked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the chicken thighs to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps to redistribute the juices, resulting in juicier and more tender meat.
- Garnishing: Garnish the dish with fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme for added flavor and presentation.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the Juicy Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs with Roasted Vegetables hot, alongside your favorite side dishes such as rice, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh or dried herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the butter and oil mixture for added flavor.
- Garlic Lover’s Variation: Add minced garlic to the pan along with the vegetables for a fragrant and flavorful twist.
- Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices and seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or cayenne pepper to customize the flavor profile of the dish.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
- Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe? Yes, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs if preferred. However, keep in mind that bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs tend to be more flavorful and juicy.
- Can I use other vegetables in place of potatoes and carrots? Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand. Bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli, or sweet potatoes would all work well in this recipe.
- How do I ensure that the chicken thighs are cooked through? Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken thighs. They should register at least 165°F (75°C) to ensure they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
In conclusion, this recipe for Juicy Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs with Roasted Vegetables is a winner when it comes to simplicity, flavor, and comfort. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a delicious and wholesome meal that the whole family will love. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy the juicy goodness of perfectly cooked chicken thighs paired with tender and flavorful roasted vegetables!
