Crispy Chicken Thighs with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Thighs:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to ensure crispy skin.
  3. In a small bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Rub this seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken thighs.

2. Sear the Chicken:

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 5–7 minutes, or until the skin is golden and crispy.
  3. Flip the chicken and cook the other side for 3–4 minutes.
  4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Sauté the Vegetables:

  1. In the same skillet, add the olive oil or butter.
  2. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant and softened, about 3 minutes.
  3. Add the sliced sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.

4. Cook the Spinach:

  1. Gradually add the fresh spinach to the skillet, stirring until wilted.
  2. Pour in the chicken broth (or white wine) and scrape the bottom of the skillet to deglaze.
  3. If you want a creamy sauce, stir in the heavy cream at this stage and let it simmer for 2 minutes.

5. Combine and Bake:

  1. Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, skin-side up.
  2. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

6. Serve:

  1. Remove the skillet from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
  2. Serve the chicken thighs over the sautéed spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, accompanied by crusty bread, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Tips for Success

  1. Crispy Skin: Always start with dry chicken thighs and ensure the skillet is hot before searing.
  2. Add Cheese: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the dish before baking for an extra layer of flavor.
  3. Customize: Swap spinach for kale or add mushrooms for more vegetables.
  4. Make it Ahead: Prepare the chicken thighs and sauce separately; combine and reheat in the oven before serving.

This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, combining simple ingredients with bold flavors. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. Enjoy! 🍽️