Crispy Mustardy Chicken Thighs with Spinach
Recipe Overview
Overview
This recipe for Crispy Mustardy Chicken Thighs with Creamed Spinach is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The chicken thighs, known for their rich taste and juiciness, are seasoned generously with salt and cracked black pepper before being seared to a perfect crisp. The method of cooking them skin-side down allows the fat to render out, creating a deliciously crispy exterior while keeping the meat tender and juicy.
The creamed spinach is a fantastic accompaniment, made with frozen spinach that cooks down beautifully. The addition of garlic and a hint of nutmeg elevates the dish, making it not just a side but a star in its own right. The use of frozen spinach is a clever time-saver, ensuring that you can whip up this meal in under 15 minutes without compromising on flavor.
One of the standout techniques in this recipe is the way the mustard is incorporated. By adding cream to the nearly empty mustard jar, you not only clean out the jar but also create a rich, flavorful sauce that complements the chicken perfectly. This recipe is a great reminder that cooking can be both simple and rewarding, allowing for creativity with whatever ingredients you have on hand.
Overall, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, offering a comforting yet sophisticated meal that the whole family will enjoy. The balance of crispy chicken and creamy spinach makes it a satisfying choice for any occasion.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Get chicken thighs and place them skin side up.
Sprinkle kosher salt and cracked black pepper on the chicken.
Add soy oil to the pan and heat.
Flip the chicken thighs to season the other side.
Tip: Use kosher salt from a height to ensure even distribution.
Tip: Always lay food away from you to avoid oil splashes.
Cook the chicken most of the way on the skin side until crispy.
Check the chicken for doneness.
Tip: Using frozen ingredients like spinach is perfectly fine for quick meals.
Get a larger pan and heat it on full heat.
Tip: Add salt while chopping garlic to help break it down.
Add chopped garlic to the heated oil.
Add chili flakes to the pan.
Tip: Nutmeg enhances the flavor of green vegetables.
Slice red onion thinly and add it to the pan.
Add the frozen spinach to the pan.
Tip: To avoid crying while cutting onions, use a sharp knife.
Stir the spinach into the garlic and onion mixture.
Tip: Use boiling water to quickly thaw frozen ingredients.
Tip: Pour liquid into mustard jars to get every last bit out.
Combine cream with leftover mustard in the jar and shake.
Check the chicken for doneness and flip if necessary.
Tip: Zest lemons by striking the skin and rotating to a new spot.
Grate nutmeg over the spinach.
Tip: Squeeze lemons between your fingertips to catch seeds.
Zest a lemon into the spinach mixture.
Tip: Use what you have on hand instead of sticking strictly to a recipe.
Taste the spinach and adjust seasoning as needed.
Plate the creamed spinach and crispy chicken thighs.
Ingredients
Ingredient: Dairy
→ Substitution: Coconut Cream
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful than chicken breasts due to their higher fat content.
- •Using frozen spinach can save time without sacrificing nutrition, as it is picked at peak freshness.
- •Nutmeg enhances the flavor of green vegetables like spinach, adding a subtle sweetness.
- •Adding a bit of liquid to mustard dregs can help clean the jar and create a flavorful sauce.
