If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal, this chicken thigh recipe with vegetables is perfect for you. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Follow these steps to create a dish that your family will love.
Ingredients:
- 5 chicken thighs
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Paprika to taste
- Lime seasoning to taste
- Chili flakes to taste
- Olive oil
- 5 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 300 ml of beer
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Mixed vegetables (e.g., carrots, bell peppers, green beans) – optional
- 1 cup of cooked rice – optional
- Cubes of butter – optional
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Start by removing the skin from the chicken thighs. This will help the seasonings penetrate better and create a crispy exterior.
- Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl.
- Season the Chicken:
- Add salt, black pepper, paprika, lime seasoning, and chili flakes to the bowl. Adjust the amount of each seasoning to your taste.
- Drizzle olive oil over the chicken to help the seasonings adhere and add moisture.
- Stir to combine all the ingredients, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated with the seasonings.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the chicken marinate for 30 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Prepare the Coating:
- In a separate bowl, add 5 tablespoons of cornstarch.
- After the chicken has marinated, coat each chicken thigh in the cornstarch. This will help create a crispy crust when frying.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a large pan over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter and a drizzle of olive oil. The combination of butter and oil ensures the chicken will fry to a perfect golden brown without burning.
- Once the butter has melted, add the chicken thighs to the pan. Fry until golden brown on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. The chicken should be crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
- Prepare the Onion and Garlic:
- While the chicken is frying, slice an onion and mince 2 garlic cloves.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
- After the chicken is golden brown, remove it from the pan and set it aside.
- Add a bit more olive oil to the same pan, then add the sliced onion and minced garlic.
- Sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine and Cook:
- Place the chicken thighs back into the pan with the sautéed onions and garlic.
- Pour 300 ml of beer over the chicken. The beer adds a rich, deep flavor to the dish and helps to tenderize the meat.
- Cover the pan and let the chicken cook for an additional 20 minutes. This allows the chicken to cook through and absorb all the delicious flavors from the beer and seasonings.
- Add Vegetables (Optional):
- For a more complete meal, you can add mixed vegetables to the pan. This can include carrots, bell peppers, and green beans.
- You can also add 1 cup of cooked rice to the pan for a more filling dish.
- Finish and Serve:
- Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the lid and let any excess liquid evaporate if necessary.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
- Serve the chicken thighs hot, with the sautéed onions and garlic on the side. If you’ve added vegetables and rice, mix them well with the sauce.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Thighs:
- Marinating: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes helps to deepen the flavors. If you have more time, you can marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours.
- Crispy Coating: Coating the chicken in cornstarch creates a crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the tender, juicy meat inside.
- Even Cooking: Make sure to fry the chicken on medium heat to ensure it cooks evenly and reaches a golden brown color without burning.
- Flavorful Sauce: The beer not only adds flavor but also helps to tenderize the chicken. You can experiment with different types of beer to see which you prefer.
Detailed Steps:
- Preparing the Ingredients:
- Gather all your ingredients before you start cooking. This makes the process smoother and ensures you don’t miss any steps.
- Seasoning and Marinating:
- Mix the seasonings well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. This step is crucial for developing a deep, rich flavor.
- Frying the Chicken:
- Keep an eye on the chicken as it fries. You want a nice golden brown color on both sides, which indicates a crispy texture.
- Sautéing the Onion and Garlic:
- The onions should be translucent and the garlic fragrant before you add the chicken back to the pan. This ensures they release their flavors into the dish.
- Cooking with Beer:
- Pouring beer over the chicken and letting it simmer ensures the chicken remains moist and tender while absorbing all the wonderful flavors.
- Adding Vegetables (Optional):
- Adding vegetables and rice to the pan makes this dish more nutritious and filling. Ensure they are well mixed with the sauce for maximum flavor.
This chicken thigh recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a delicious and satisfying meal. The combination of crispy, juicy chicken with the rich flavors of beer and sautéed onions makes this dish a winner. Enjoy this recipe with your family and friends, and don’t forget to share your cooking experiences!
