FoodSavor the flavor: Chicken thighs with sauerkraut recipe

Savor the flavor: Chicken thighs with sauerkraut recipe

Chicken thighs with sauerkraut make a wonderful duet.
Chicken thighs with sauerkraut make a wonderful duet.
Images source: © Adobe Stock

8:59 PM EST, December 10, 2023

Are you eager to try cooking chicken thighs in a new way? Consider preparing them with sauerkraut. This recipe is splendidly simple and pleasing to the palate. I'm a fan of recipes that are straightforward, quick, and well-liked by the entire family.

I simply toss the cabbage into an ovenproof dish, arrange the chicken on top, and there you have it. This type of dish virtually cooks itself and fills your kitchen with an inviting aroma. If you need a new chicken thigh recipe, this is certainly one to try.

Discovering a new way to cook savory chicken thighs

There's no need to delve into exotic combinations for chicken thighs. With the simple addition of humble sauerkraut, you can create a spectacularly satisfying dish. The contrast of the savory meat baked with this crunchy, tangy addition is genuinely astonishing.

One of the benefits of pairing chicken thighs with sauerkraut is that it tenderizes the meat, thanks to the acid in the former. This is a general rule: acidity tenderizes all types of foods. While lemon juice, vinegar, mustard, or buttermilk are the typical choices, the juice in the sauerkraut works just as well here.

Adding caraway is optional but highly recommended. Not only does caraway complement sauerkraut nicely, but it may also help prevent potential digestive issues, like bloating, that can occur after consuming sauerkraut.

Sauerkraut is an excellent addition to meats.
Sauerkraut is an excellent addition to meats.© Pixabay

How to prepare chicken thighs on sauerkraut? Here's a simple recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2.2 pounds of sauerkraut,
  • about 5 chicken thighs,
  • seasoning for thighs (you can find our homemade mixes recipes HERE), or you can use a store-bought seasoning,
  • caraway (to taste),
  • 0.85 cup of water or broth,
  • fat for frying (either oil or lard).

How to prepare:

  1. Marinate the chicken thighs in a spice mixture combined with a few tablespoons of oil. Let them sit in the fridge, ideally overnight.
  2. Rinse the sauerkraut under a sieve, then squeeze and chop it.
  3. Grease your ovenproof dish with fat and sprinkle with caraway (according to preference. Keep in mind that caraway has an intense flavor and aroma.)
  4. In the prepared dish, spread a layer of cabbage and nestle the chicken thighs within it. Pour water or broth over the entire dish.
  5. Place the dish (uncovered) into an oven that's been preheated to 356 degrees Fahrenheit for roughly an hour.
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