Craving a mouthwatering meal that's both incredibly simple and bursting with flavor? Look no further than these perfectly baked chicken thighs with roasted vegetables! This recipe is a game-changer for busy home cooks who want a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. Imagine tender, crispy-skinned chicken nestled alongside caramelized, colorful vegetables - all prepared in a single pan with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, zucchini)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature will ensure that the chicken thighs cook evenly and the vegetables become tender and slightly caramelized.
- While the oven is preheating, prepare the chicken thighs. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which will help achieve a crispy skin. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, zucchini). Drizzle the vegetables with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Toss the vegetables until they are evenly coated with the oil and seasoning.
- In a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish, arrange the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up. Surround the chicken with the seasoned mixed vegetables, spreading them out evenly around the thighs.
- Place the skillet or baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the chicken thighs are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The skin should be golden brown and crispy, and the vegetables should be tender.
- Once cooked, remove the skillet or baking dish from the oven. Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and flavorful chicken.
- Serve the baked chicken thighs alongside the roasted vegetables. Enjoy your delicious and hearty meal!
Tips
- Pat the chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to ensure crispy, golden-brown skin that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness - chicken thighs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe and juicy results.
- Choose a variety of colorful vegetables to add nutrition and visual appeal to your dish. Don't be afraid to experiment with different vegetable combinations!
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful.
- For extra flavor, try marinating the chicken thighs for 30 minutes to 2 hours before cooking, using herbs, garlic, or your favorite seasoning blend.
- If you want extra crispy skin, consider finishing the dish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 140mg