Garlic Chicken Thighs Vegetables
Highlighted under: Cozy Cravings Kitchen
A delicious and wholesome dish that combines tender garlic chicken thighs with a medley of colorful vegetables.
This Garlic Chicken Thighs Vegetables recipe is a family favorite, bringing together savory flavors and nutritious ingredients. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Juicy chicken thighs infused with aromatic garlic
- Colorful vegetables add a nutritional punch
- Comforting dish that's easy to prepare
A Flavorful Combination
Garlic chicken thighs are a favorite for many home cooks due to their rich flavor and juicy texture. When paired with a colorful array of vegetables, this dish becomes not only a feast for the palate but also a feast for the eyes. The aromatic garlic essence beautifully seeps into the chicken, enhancing its taste while the vegetables add freshness and crunch. This combination ensures that each bite is satisfying and nutritious, making it a perfect choice for any family dinner.
The use of seasonal vegetables makes this dish even more appealing. You can easily customize the vegetable medley based on what's available or what your family enjoys. Whether it's the vibrant green of broccoli or the sweet burst of cherry tomatoes, each ingredient contributes to the overall health benefits, ensuring your meal is balanced and fulfilling. This dish is a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet without sacrificing flavor.
Cooking Tips for Success
To achieve the best results with your garlic chicken thighs, it's essential to start with good-quality chicken. Bone-in and skin-on thighs are preferable because they retain moisture during cooking, resulting in a tender and juicy outcome. Don't rush the searing process; allowing the skin to become crispy adds a delightful texture and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
When it comes to seasoning, feel free to adjust the spices to suit your preferences. If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the garlic mixture. Additionally, marinating the chicken in the garlic and olive oil mixture for a few hours, or even overnight, can intensify the flavors and create a more robust dish.
Serving Suggestions
This garlic chicken thighs and vegetables dish can stand alone as a complete meal, but it also pairs wonderfully with various sides. Consider serving it alongside fluffy rice, quinoa, or a warm crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices. A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also complement the richness of the chicken and enhance the overall dining experience.
For a more festive touch, consider garnishing your dish with lemon wedges or additional fresh herbs. A squeeze of lemon just before serving adds a bright, zesty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the savory chicken and vegetables. This simple addition elevates the dish and makes it even more delightful.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
For the Vegetables
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Make sure to adjust the seasoning to your taste!
Cooking Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
In a bowl, mix the minced garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika. Rub this mixture all over the chicken thighs.
Sear the Chicken
In a skillet over medium-high heat, sear the chicken thighs skin-side down for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes.
Add the Vegetables
Add broccoli, bell pepper, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar. Stir to combine.
Bake the Dish
Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve hot!
Enjoy your meal!
Nutritional Benefits
This recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. Chicken thighs provide a good source of protein, essential for muscle repair and overall health. The addition of garlic not only enhances flavor but also boasts numerous health benefits, including boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation.
The vegetables included in this dish, such as broccoli, bell peppers, and zucchini, are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They contribute to a well-rounded diet, offering essential nutrients that support overall well-being. By incorporating a variety of colors on your plate, you ensure a diverse intake of nutrients, which is key to maintaining optimal health.
Storage and Reheating
If you find yourself with leftovers, this garlic chicken thighs and vegetables dish stores well in the refrigerator. Simply transfer the cooled dish into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, reheat in the oven or microwave until thoroughly warmed. This makes it an excellent option for meal prep during the week.
For longer storage, consider freezing the dish. After cooking, allow it to cool completely, then place the chicken and vegetables in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as desired for a quick and convenient meal.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs will cook faster, so reduce the cooking time accordingly.
→ What vegetables can I substitute?
You can use any vegetables you prefer, such as carrots, green beans, or asparagus.
→ Can this dish be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and vegetables in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
→ Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients are gluten-free, making this a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.
Garlic Chicken Thighs Vegetables
A delicious and wholesome dish that combines tender garlic chicken thighs with a medley of colorful vegetables.
Created by: Emma
Recipe Type: Cozy Cravings Kitchen
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Chicken
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
For the Vegetables
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
How-To Steps
In a bowl, mix the minced garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika. Rub this mixture all over the chicken thighs.
In a skillet over medium-high heat, sear the chicken thighs skin-side down for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes.
Add broccoli, bell pepper, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar. Stir to combine.
Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve hot!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 670mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 35g