Baked Chicken Thighs

With pleasure! I will provide you with a classic Italian recipe for preparing oven-baked chicken thighs, a simple but flavorful dish that always makes a great impression on the table.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs
• 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
• 4 garlic cloves
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Potatoes (optional, if you wish to add them to the baking tray)

Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven to 200 °C.
2. In a large bowl, prepare a marinade with the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, chopped garlic, chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper.
3. Immerse the chicken thighs in the marinade, making sure they are well coated on all sides. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, if possible.
4. Meanwhile, if you choose to add the potatoes, peel them and cut them into pieces that are not too small, then season them with a drizzle of oil, salt, pepper, and, if desired, a pinch of rosemary.
5. Arrange the chicken thighs in a baking dish. If you have decided to add the potatoes, place them around the chicken.
6. Bake in the center of the oven and cook for about 40-45 minutes or until the chicken thighs are golden and well cooked. Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken thighs.
7. Halfway through cooking, turn the thighs and potatoes to ensure even browning.
8. Once cooked, let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Fun Fact

Baking is one of the healthiest methods for preparing chicken because it reduces the use of fats. Additionally, the lemon in the marinade helps tenderize the meat and gives it a fresh, slightly tangy flavor that balances the rich taste of the chicken. Rosemary is an aromatic herb widely used in Italian cuisine, especially in oven preparations, for its intense aroma and its ability to enhance the flavors of meats.

Buon appetito!