Delicious Chicken Thighs: A Quick & Easy Dinner Recipe

Chicken thighs are a favorite among home cooks due to their rich flavor and versatility. Whether you're in the mood for something hearty or just looking for an easy weeknight dinner, these succulent chicken thighs will not disappoint! This recipe yields enough servings for 4 people, with a total cooking time of approximately 30 minutes.

For this dish, all you need are a few simple ingredients such as chicken thighs (bone-in or skin-on), olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and a bit of salt and pepper. The process is straightforward yet rewarding; it takes just under half an hour to prepare, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when time is short.

Ingredients

• 6 bone-in chicken thighs (skin-on or skin-off)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps for Preparation

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (205°C). While the oven heats up, season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, garlic, and rosemary. Make sure each piece gets a good coat of seasoning.

In a large roasting pan or baking dish that fits all six pieces snugly, place your seasoned chicken thighs skin-side down if using skin-on ones. Drizzle two tablespoons of olive oil over the top, then transfer the dish to the preheated oven. Roast for about 20 minutes.

After 20 minutes, flip the chicken thighs so that they are skin-side up. Continue roasting until the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy and golden brown. This usually takes another 8-10 minutes depending on your specific oven.

Once done, let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in juicier, more flavorful chicken thighs at mealtime.

Tips & Variations

• Cooking Method: You can also prepare these chicken thighs using a skillet on your stovetop. Start by searing them over medium heat with the skin-side down to get that crispy texture, then transfer to an oven for finishing.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve with roasted vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and broccoli. This not only enhances the nutritional profile but also complements the richness of the chicken thighs nicely.
• Variations: Try substituting rosemary with thyme or adding a splash of lemon juice when you drizzle olive oil to give your dish a zesty twist.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

The nutritional information provided here is an estimate based on the given ingredients. Serving size: 1 thigh, cooking method: oven-roasted, and total weight of the entire recipe = about 64 ounces (1700 grams).

• Calories: ~350 kcal
• Total Fat: ~25g
• Saturated Fat: ~8g
• Total Carbohydrates: ~9g
• Fiber: ~2g
• Sodium: ~460mg
• Protein: ~37g

Note: These values may vary slightly based on the exact cuts and quantities used during preparation.

Conclusion

Chicken thighs are a delightful ingredient that can elevate any meal with minimal effort. With this easy oven-roast chicken thighs recipe, you have the confidence to prepare a dish that will surely satisfy everyone at your table. Its quick cooking time coupled with its delicious taste makes it an excellent choice for busy days or special occasions alike.