Are you craving a delicious, easy-to-make dinner that's bursting with flavor? Look no further! This McCormick chicken thigh recipe is your answer. Forget complicated cooking techniques and lengthy prep times; this dish is perfect for busy weeknights, yet impressive enough for a casual dinner party. Using readily available ingredients and McCormick's renowned spices, this recipe delivers a juicy, tender chicken experience that will leave you wanting more. Let's dive into this simple yet satisfying healthy meal.
Ingredients: You'll Need These
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon McCormick Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon McCormick Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon McCormick Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon McCormick Thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon McCormick Black Pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon McCormick Cayenne Pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chicken broth
Step-by-Step Instructions: Let's Cook!
-
Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely. Season generously with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Make sure each thigh is evenly coated.
-
Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs and sear for about 3-4 minutes per side, until nicely browned. This step adds a fantastic depth of flavor.
-
Bake to Perfection: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You can check this with a meat thermometer.
-
Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken thigh.
Tips for Success: Elevate Your Dish
- Don't overcrowd the pan: If you have more than four chicken thighs, cook them in batches to ensure proper browning.
- Adjust the spice: Feel free to adjust the amount of each spice to your preference. Love garlic? Add more!
- Add vegetables: For a complete meal, add chopped vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or onions to the skillet during the baking process.
- Use different herbs: Experiment with other herbs like rosemary or oregano for a unique flavor profile.
Variations: Explore Your Culinary Creativity
- Lemon Herb Chicken: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the skillet along with the chicken broth for a zesty twist.
- Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken: Whisk together 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and brush over the chicken during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Spicy Chicken: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving): Approximate values
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 30g
- Fat: Approximately 15g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 2g
This McCormick chicken thigh recipe is a simple yet satisfying quick dinner idea that's perfect for busy weeknights. The delicious dishes and homemade cooking experience will impress your family and friends. Enjoy this easy recipe, and don’t hesitate to share your culinary creations!