Why chicken thighs deserve a place at your dinner table
Chicken fillets are a popular choice for quick dinners, but it's worth trying other parts of poultry too. Chicken thighs are an underrated base for delicious, aromatic dishes. Just rub them with pesto, bake them in the oven, and they're ready! It's a simple way to create juicy meat that will delight the whole family.
27 November 2024 20:17
Chicken is one of the most versatile meats, but does it always have to be a fillet? Thighs are an underrated part of poultry that, when combined with aromatic pesto, can surprise with taste and juiciness. They're incredibly easy to prepare, and the result is worthy of the best restaurants. It's the perfect dish for a daily dinner or a special occasion. You only need a few ingredients and patience to make pesto chicken thighs a family favourite meal.
Recipe for chicken thighs with pesto
Ingredients:
- About 1 kilogram of chicken thighs,
- 140 grams of pesto (classic basil or any other),
- 2 tablespoons olive oil,
- 1 clove of garlic,
- salt and pepper to taste,
- optional: lemon juice, fresh herbs for garnishing.
Classic basil pesto is just one option. You can experiment with different flavours. Tomato, spinach, or arugula pesto will introduce completely new notes to the dish. If you have time, make the pesto yourself – that way, the taste will be even more distinct and natural.
Preparation:
- Wash and dry the thighs, press the garlic through a crusher, and mix the pesto with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the marinade over the meat and, optionally, drizzle with lemon juice.
- Place the thighs in an ovenproof dish, and let them rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour (or overnight for a more intense flavour).
- Preheat the oven to 190°C, bake for 45-50 minutes, occasionally basting the meat with the rendered sauce.
- Serve garnished with fresh herbs.
Why choose chicken thighs?
Chicken thighs are juicier and more aromatic than the popular fillets, making them excellent in recipes where flavour intensity is key. Thigh meat contains more fat, which ensures tenderness and better structure after baking. Additionally, they are cheaper, making them an ideal choice for a family dinner that won't strain the household budget.
What to serve with chicken thighs?
Chicken thighs with pesto can be served with a variety of sides that will enhance their flavour. They pair perfectly with roasted vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, or zucchini, as well as light salads based on arugula and cherry tomatoes. Rice, bulgur, or pasta, which can soak up the flavourful baking sauce, are also great choices. If you prefer something simple, a crunchy baguette or focaccia will be ideal for soaking up the remaining sauce from the plate. Each of these sides will highlight the unique taste of the dish, creating a complete meal.
