Chicken thighs with pesto: The juicy alternative to fillets
Chicken fillets are a popular choice for quick dinners, but it's sometimes worth reaching for other poultry parts. Chicken thighs are an underrated base for delicious, aromatic dishes. Rub them with pesto, bake in the oven, and they're ready! It's a simple way to create juicy meat that will delight the whole family.
8:09 PM EST, November 27, 2024
Chicken is one of the most versatile meats in Polish cuisine, but does it always have to be in the form of a fillet? Thighs are an underrated part of poultry that, when combined with aromatic pesto, can surprise with their taste and juiciness. They're incredibly easy to prepare, and the end result is worthy of the best restaurants. It's the perfect dish for a daily dinner or a special occasion. All you need are a few ingredients and a bit of patience to make pesto chicken thighs a family favorite.
Recipe for Chicken Thighs with Pesto
Ingredients:
- About 2.2 lbs of chicken thighs,
- 5 oz 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 flavors. Tomato, spinach, or arugula pesto will introduce 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 garlic press, 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 flavor).
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and 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 flavor intensity is key. Thigh meat contains more fat, which ensures tenderness and better structure after baking. Additionally, they are more affordable, 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 flavor. 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 flavorful 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.
