Fiery chicken thighs

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Fiery chicken thighs
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  • Gluten Free
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Prep time: 20 min
  • Cook time: 40 min
  • Serving: 4
  • Cost: Low

PRESENTATION

Spicy chicken thighs are all about bringing some new energy to your meals, especially if you're more familiar with the classic, milder Italian flavors. Italy has its share of rich, savory dishes, but there's definitely a love for heat too. Think penne all’arrabbiata or spaghetti aglio, olio e peperoncino—super spicy stuff. This recipe captures that fiery spirit, giving you a bold kick with the perfect balance of a cool yogurt sauce. It's the kind of meal that turns dinner into something exciting—a bit unpredictable, you know?

The aim here is to get tender chicken that's infused with just the right amount of spice, making each bite juicy and bursting with flavor. The tangy sauce on the side? It's like a refreshing break from the heat. Each bite is a really good adventure. In Italian cooking, mixing spicy and refreshing elements is more than just for show. It seriously brings out the best in each flavor.

Whether you go for spicy baked chicken thighs or spicy grilled chicken thighs, they offer a creative twist on your usual chicken dishes while staying true to real, simple ingredients. Pair them with a spicy pasta dish, and things get lively. For real, the kick from chili peppers connects back to those famous Italian spicy creations. When you bite into the crispy, golden skin, there's a rush of heat, but the yogurt sauce cools it down—like, fast.

And look, this dish is perfect for gatherings where everyone wants something with a bit more character. Whether you stick to a spicy chicken thigh rub or try a spicy chicken thigh marinade with local herbs, the flavors stay fresh and colorful. Serve with a side of simple pasta, and you'll end up with a plate full of surprises—moist chicken and just the right kind of heat that keeps everyone coming back for more. Which is great.

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INGREDIENTS

Chicken legs 2.2 lbs (1 kg)
Red peppers 7.1 oz (200 g) - variety cornetto
Parsley 1 bunch
Lime to taste
For the Marinade
Greek yogurt 1.6 cups (400 g)
Lime 1 - juice and zest
Green Peperoncino 4 tsp - of Cayenne
Smoked paprika 2 tsp
Powdered turmeric 2 tsp
Fine salt 3 tsp
Black pepper 1 tsp
Thyme to taste
Chives to taste
Preparation

How to prepare Fiery chicken thighs

To prepare the fiery chicken thighs, start with the marinade. In a bowl, pour the Greek yogurt (setting aside a few tablespoons) and then add the salt 1, black pepper, turmeric 2, and smoked paprika 3.

Add the cayenne pepper 4, grated zest of one lime 5, and its juice 6.

Finally, add the fresh thyme leaves 7, chopped chives 8, and oil. Mix well to combine the ingredients 9.

Set the marinade aside for a moment and turn your attention to the chicken. Score the skin making 4-5 cuts: this way the meat will absorb the flavors better and cook more evenly 10. Place the chicken in a baking dish, add the marinade 11 and massage the meat well to help it absorb, especially in the creases 12. Once the chicken is evenly coated, cover the dish with plastic wrap and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature.

In the meantime, wash and dry the bell pepper, remove the seeds and inner filaments, and cut it into slices about 1 cm (0.39 inches) thick 13. Heat a grill and cook the slices for about 6-7 minutes over high heat 14. Once the slices are well-charred 15, set them aside and return to the chicken.

Remove the thighs from the marinade (which you will use later) and place them on a very hot grill 16. Sear them over high heat for a few moments on each side, using tongs to turn them 17 18.

At this point, transfer the chicken thighs to a baking tray and brush them with the marinade mixture 19. Once evenly coated 20, bake in a static oven at 428°F (220°C) for 30-35 minutes 21. The time may vary depending on your oven's power.

Transfer the chicken thighs to a serving plate 22 along with the bell pepper slices. Garnish with the yogurt you set aside 23 and finally garnish with chopped parsley 34. Serve your fiery chicken thighs accompanied by lime wedges!

Storage

You can store your fiery chicken thighs in the refrigerator for no more than one day; if you prefer, you can also freeze them. The marinade alone can be prepared up to one day in advance. The meat, however, can be marinated for up to 8-12 hours.

Tip

Want to add a touch of crunchiness to your fiery chicken thighs? Toast some nuts in a pan, like cashews, almond slices, or even pistachios! A good substitute for the spices is definitely curry, which will gather some of those present. To add an extra hint of freshness, instead of the usual parsley, substitute with fresh cilantro!

For the translation of some texts, artificial intelligence tools may have been used.
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