Oven-baked Chicken Thighs

Chicken can be cooked in different ways using a combination of ingredients. One of the best ways to cook chicken thighs is by baking or barbecuing them. This method of cooking ensures that the meat is thoroughly cooked, and also enhances the flavor of the ingredients added to the chicken. Baked chicken thighs make an excellent appetizer before any meal.

Ingredients Required

• Chicken thighs, without skin, 12
• Garlic cloves, finely minced, 5 to 6
• Rice wine vinegar, ¼ cup
• Cold water, ¼ cup

• Cornstarch, 2 tablespoons
• Soy sauce, ½ cup
• White sugar, ¼ cup
• Freshly ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon
• Salt to taste

Instructions for Cooking
Take a medium-sized saucepan and mix the cornstarch, soy sauce, vinegar, minced garlic, sugar, freshly ground black pepper and cold water. Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat, while stirring it constantly to avoid formation of lumps.

Keep cooking till the sauce becomes thick and begins to bubble. Remove the pan from the heat and coat the chicken thighs in the sauce. Transfer the coated drumsticks to a well greased baking dish. Pour the extra sauce over the chicken and bake it in a preheated oven at 425 ºF for about 45 minutes.

Ingredients Required

• Chicken thighs, without skin, 2½ pounds
• Medium or long grain white rice, raw, 1½ cup
• Medium-sized onion, chopped, 1
• Sour cream, ½ cup
• Button mushrooms. Sliced, ½ pound

• Garlic cloves, minced, 4 to 5
• Olive oil, 5 tablespoons
• Italian or poultry seasoning, 1 teaspoon
• Fresh cream, ¼ cup
• Chicken stock, 1½ cups
• Dry sherry or white wine, ¼ cup

• Fresh herbs (basil, rosemary, sage and thyme), finely chopped, 2 tablespoons
• Fresh parsley, for garnish, chopped, 2 tablespoons
• Freshly ground black pepper, 1½ teaspoons
• Paprika, ½ teaspoon
• Salt to taste

Instructions for Cooking
Take a medium-sized saucepan and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil has become hot, place the chicken thighs and cook for about a couple of minutes till they are evenly brown on all sides. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.

If you find that the chicken is sticking to the pan, add a few more tablespoons of olive oil. Once the thighs are cooked, remove them from the pan and place them in a bowl. In the same saucepan, saute the onions till they become translucent. Now add the minced garlic and cook till you get the aroma.

Transfer the sliced mushrooms to the pan and cook till they become light brown. Pour the dry white wine or sherry (as per your preference) to remove any scraps stuck to the pan.

Increase the heat and allow the sherry to simmer till it is reduced to half. Add the chicken stock and continue cooking for about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and add the rice along with the fresh and sour cream and stir to combine the ingredients together.

Place the pan on the heat, and mix the freshly chopped herbs, paprika and the seasoning. Cook for a minute and remove the pan from the heat. In a casserole dish, make a layer of the rice and chicken, and cover it with an aluminum foil.

Bake this in a preheated oven at 375 ºF for about 45 minutes, till all the liquid evaporates and the rice is done. Garnish it with chopped parsley and enjoy it hot.

Ingredients Required

• Large chicken drumsticks, 6 to 7 (approximately 1½ pounds)
• Dry bread crumbs, 1 cup
• Green onion or chives, finely chopped, ¼ cup
• Olive oil, 5 tablespoons

• Dijon or whole grain mustard, ¼ cup
• Mayonnaise, ¼ cup
• Freshly ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon
• Worcestershire sauce, 2 teaspoons
• Salt to taste

Instructions for Cooking
For making this chicken drumstick recipe, take a medium-sized bowl and combine the mustard, Worcestershire sauce and mayonnaise. In a different bowl, mix the minced chives and bread crumbs together. Season the chicken drumsticks with salt and pepper and coat them with the mayonnaise mixture.

Place them in the bread crumbs and chives mixture and apply an even coat on the chicken thighs. Grease a roasting pan with olive oil and place the prepared chicken drumsticks on it. Bake this in a preheated oven at 425 ºF for about 30 minutes till the meat is cooked and the juices run clear. This chicken dish can also be enjoyed as an evening snack.

You can also try different variations of baked drumstick recipes, using your own ingredients, and serve them at a party or enjoy them with your family. Bon Appetit!