Zesty Spiced Chicken Thighs
Transform your dinner with these Zesty Spiced Chicken Thighs, inspired by 'The Miniature Book of Tomatoes' by Jane Donovan. The fusion of flavors from garam masala, fresh ginger, and a touch of chili sauce brings the perfect balance of heat and savory richness. Ideal for family meals or gatherings, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also guarantees a delightful experience for your taste buds. Feel free to adjust the spice level to your preference by selecting a milder or fiercer chili sauce. Serve these succulent thighs with a side of rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal!
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
skinless chicken thighs
8 (with bones)
canned tomatoes
1 (8 ounce) can (drained)
tomato paste
6 (teaspoons)
chili sauce
2 (tablespoons)
sugar
2 (teaspoons)
garam masala
1 (tablespoon, spice blend)
light soy sauce
2 (tablespoons)
fresh ginger
2 (inches, grated)
garlic
2 (cloves, crushed)
lime
1 (juice of)
lemon
1 (juice of)
lemon slice
as needed (to garnish)
lime slice
as needed (to garnish)
Instructions
1
Begin by making slashes through the meaty part of each chicken thigh 2 or 3 times using a sharp knife. This helps the marinade penetrate the meat more effectively.
2
In a blender or food processor, combine the drained tomatoes, tomato paste, chili sauce, sugar, garam masala, soy sauce, grated ginger, crushed garlic, lime juice, and lemon juice. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3
Place the chicken thighs in a shallow non-metal casserole, such as a glass Pyrex baking dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, turning the pieces to ensure they are fully coated.
4
Cover the dish and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours to allow the flavors to meld and penetrate the chicken.
5
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once heated, transfer the marinated chicken to the oven, uncovered. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, basting the chicken with the pan juices occasionally until they are cooked through and the juices run clear.
6
Once cooked, remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes. Serve garnished with slices of lemon and lime for an extra burst of freshness.
Nutrition Information
15
Fat
15
Carbs
25
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary protein in the Zesty Spiced Chicken Thighs recipe?
The recipe uses 8 skinless, bone-in chicken thighs as the primary protein.
What was the inspiration for this chicken recipe?
This dish was inspired by 'The Miniature Book of Tomatoes' written by Jane Donovan.
How long should the chicken marinate before cooking?
The chicken should be refrigerated and allowed to marinate for 2 to 3 hours to let the flavors penetrate the meat.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C) before baking the chicken.
How long does the chicken need to bake?
The marinated chicken thighs should be baked for 45 to 50 minutes.
What should I do to the chicken thighs before marinating them?
Using a sharp knife, make slashes through the meaty part of each thigh 2 or 3 times to help the marinade penetrate more effectively.
What are the main components of the marinade?
The marinade consists of drained canned tomatoes, tomato paste, chili sauce, sugar, garam masala, soy sauce, grated ginger, crushed garlic, and lime and lemon juice.
How do I prepare the marinade mixture?
Combine all marinade ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until the mixture is smooth.
Can I adjust the spiciness of this dish?
Yes, you can adjust the heat level by choosing a milder or fiercer chili sauce according to your preference.
How many calories are in a serving of Zesty Spiced Chicken Thighs?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 25 grams of protein.
How much fat is in each serving?
There are 15 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
There are 15 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of dish should be used for marinating the chicken?
A shallow non-metal casserole dish, such as a glass Pyrex baking dish, is recommended.
Should the chicken be covered while baking in the oven?
No, the chicken should be baked uncovered.
What is the best way to garnish this dish?
Serve the chicken garnished with slices of lemon and lime for a fresh burst of flavor.
Is it necessary to baste the chicken while it cooks?
Yes, you should occasionally baste the chicken with the pan juices during the 45 to 50 minute baking time.
How do I know when the chicken thighs are fully cooked?
The chicken is done when it is cooked through and the juices run clear when pierced.
What sides are suggested for this meal?
This dish is best served with a side of rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
What type of soy sauce is used in the marinade?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of light soy sauce.
How much ginger is required for the recipe?
The recipe requires 2 inches of fresh ginger, which should be grated.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need 2 cloves of garlic, crushed, for the marinade.
What amount of tomato paste is used?
The recipe uses 6 teaspoons of tomato paste.
Is there sugar in this recipe?
Yes, 2 teaspoons of sugar are added to balance the flavors in the marinade.
What specific spice blend provides the savory richness?
One tablespoon of garam masala is used to provide savory richness and heat.
Should the chicken be rested after baking?
Yes, once removed from the oven, you should let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
What size can of tomatoes is used?
The recipe calls for one 8-ounce can of tomatoes, which should be drained.
Is this dish suitable for guests?
Yes, it is described as ideal for family meals or gatherings because it is easy to prepare and flavorful.
Are the chicken thighs used in this recipe skinless?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for skinless chicken thighs.
How much chili sauce should I use?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of chili sauce.