This delightful recipe offers a harmonious blend of flavors as chicken thighs are expertly browned in butter, then roasted with fresh asparagus and colorful bell peppers. The combination of lemon and garlic adds a zesty punch, creating a meal that’s both nutritious and delicious.
To begin, ensure your oven is preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a sheet pan by lining it with foil or parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easier cleanup. The chicken thighs, each weighing around two pounds for a total of four servings, should be patted dry and seasoned generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt a quarter cup of unsalted butter. Once the butter is sizzling, place the chicken thighs in the skillet, allowing them to brown for approximately three to five minutes on each side. This step is crucial as it seals in the juices, adding a rich depth to the flavor profile.
Following the browning, transfer the chicken thighs to the prepared sheet pan. Pop the pan in the oven and roast the chicken for about fifteen minutes. This initial roasting ensures the meat begins to cook through evenly while the skin develops a tantalizing crispness.
Once the chicken is in the oven, use the residual heat from the skillet to slightly warm a mix of half a cup of sliced red onion, four minced garlic cloves, and two teaspoons of Greek seasoning. This blend does not need cooking at this stage, only a gentle warming.
Next, incorporate one pound of trimmed and halved asparagus and six quartered mini bell peppers into the skillet. In a separate bowl, combine half a cup of chicken broth with the zest and juice from one lemon. Stir this mixture through the vegetables, allowing them to soak up the aromatic flavors.
Carefully add these vegetables to the sheet pan, arranging them around the chicken thighs. Pour around two tablespoons of the flavorful liquid from the skillet over each piece of chicken. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another fifteen minutes. This technique ensures the chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, and the vegetables become tender yet slightly crisp.
Once the cooking time is complete, arrange the chicken in the center of a serving dish, with the roasted vegetables encircling it. For an added touch, garnish with optional lemon slices and fresh parsley sprigs, enhancing the visual appeal of this wholesome meal.
Nutritionally, this dish provides a substantial serving with 607 calories per portion, comprising 30 grams of fat, 34 grams of carbohydrates, and 61 grams of protein. It also offers a remarkable Vitamin C content, fulfilling over 200% of daily requirements, thanks to the fresh lemon and vibrant vegetables.
This simple yet elegant dish highlights the delightful harmony between lemon and garlic, perfectly balanced with the tenderness of chicken thighs and the crunch of asparagus and bell peppers. Ideal for a wholesome dinner, this recipe is a winning choice for those seeking flavor without fuss.
Source: Allrecipes
