Cooking a delicious meal doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With the right ingredients and a simple recipe, you can create mouthwatering dishes that will have everyone asking for seconds. Today, I want to share with you some amazing chicken thigh recipes that are guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds. From skillet chicken thighs to baked chicken legs, these recipes are easy to make and packed with flavor. Let’s dive in!
Skillet Chicken Thighs with Creamy Tomato Basil Spinach Sauce
Ingredients:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
- Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook until browned, about 5 minutes on each side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add cherry tomatoes, basil, and spinach to the skillet. Cook until the tomatoes start to burst, about 3 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Return the chicken thighs to the skillet and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve the skillet chicken thighs with the creamy tomato basil spinach sauce.
How to Prepare:
This skillet chicken thigh recipe is incredibly easy to prepare. Start by seasoning the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Then, brown the chicken in a skillet with olive oil. In the same skillet, cook garlic, cherry tomatoes, basil, and spinach until the tomatoes burst. Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer until the sauce thickens. Finally, return the chicken thighs to the skillet and cook until they are fully cooked through. Serve hot and enjoy!
Preparation Time:
This skillet chicken thigh recipe takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare.
Servings:
This recipe serves 4 people.
Nutrition Facts:
This skillet chicken thigh recipe contains approximately:
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
Tips:
- Make sure to season the chicken thighs well with salt and pepper for added flavor.
- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent the chicken from sticking to the pan.
- You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter version of this recipe.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs?
A: Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe. Just reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking the chicken.
Q: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
A: Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the skillet.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and cook the chicken thighs as instructed.
Baked Chicken Legs
Ingredients:
- 8 chicken legs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the chicken legs on the baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
- In a small bowl, mix together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken legs, making sure to coat them evenly.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken legs rest for a few minutes before serving.
How to Prepare:
Preparing baked chicken legs is incredibly straightforward. Start by preheating the oven and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the chicken legs on the baking sheet and drizzle them with olive oil. In a separate bowl, mix together the spices and sprinkle the mixture over the chicken legs. Bake in the oven until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Let the chicken legs rest before serving. Enjoy!
Preparation Time:
This baked chicken legs recipe takes approximately 45 minutes to prepare.
Servings:
This recipe serves 4 people.
Nutrition Facts:
This baked chicken legs recipe contains approximately:
- Calories: 400
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
Tips:
- Make sure to pat the chicken legs dry before seasoning them to ensure that the spices stick well.
- Feel free to adjust the spice mixture according to your taste preferences.
- You can broil the chicken legs for a few minutes at the end to achieve a crispier skin.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken legs?
A: Yes, you can use chicken thighs for this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q: Can I marinate the chicken legs overnight?
A: Yes, marinating the chicken legs overnight will enhance the flavor. Simply mix the olive oil and spices together, coat the chicken legs, and refrigerate overnight. Bake as instructed.
Q: Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
A: While bone-in chicken legs provide more flavor and juiciness, you can use boneless chicken legs or chicken thighs if desired. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Whether you prefer the creamy tomato basil spinach sauce of skillet chicken thighs or the simplicity of baked chicken legs, these recipes are sure to impress. They are perfect for a weeknight dinner or even a special occasion. So gather your ingredients, follow the simple instructions, and get ready to enjoy a delicious meal that will leave you craving more. Happy cooking!
