Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Thighs recipe is a delicious and versatile dish that combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with a variety of flavorful ingredients. Whether roasted, grilled, or pan-fried, chicken thighs are a perfect option for a quick weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal. This recipe highlights the rich taste of chicken thighs, enhanced with herbs, spices, and a tangy marinade, making it a go-to dish for any occasion.
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try
- Flavorful and Juicy: Chicken thighs are naturally juicy and flavorful, making them a crowd-pleaser.
- Versatile Cooking Method: This recipe can be adapted for roasting, grilling, or pan-frying.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday ingredients that you likely have on hand.
- Quick and Easy: Requires minimal preparation and cooking time.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for a quick weeknight dinner or a more elaborate weekend meal.
What is Jamie Oliver Chicken Thighs Recipe?
Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Thighs recipe typically involves marinating the chicken thighs in a mixture of herbs, garlic, lemon, and olive oil, then cooking them to perfection using your preferred method. The result is a delicious, tender, and juicy chicken dish that’s packed with flavor.
Other Jamie Oliver Recipes
- Jamie Oliver Chicken Thighs Curry
- Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Chicken Lemon
- Jamie Oliver Chicken and Leek Pie
Jamie Oliver Chicken Thighs Recipe Ingredients
- 8 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Jamie Oliver Chicken Thighs Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, mix together the minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the bowl, ensuring they are well coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Choose Your Cooking Method: You can roast, grill, or pan-fry the chicken thighs depending on your preference.
- Roasting: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the marinated chicken thighs on a baking tray, skin-side up, and roast for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy.
- Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken thighs skin-side down for 5-7 minutes, then flip and grill for another 5-7 minutes, or until fully cooked.
- Pan-Frying: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 7-8 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip and cook for another 7-8 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
Step 3: Serve
- Garnish and Serve: Once the chicken thighs are cooked, transfer them to a serving plate. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.
What to Serve with Jamie Oliver Chicken Thighs
- Roasted Vegetables: Pairs well with roasted potatoes, carrots, or asparagus.
- Salads: Serve with a fresh green salad or a tangy coleslaw for a lighter option.
- Grains: Complement with rice, quinoa, or couscous for a complete meal.
- Bread: Enjoy with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.
Expert Tips for Mastering Jamie Oliver Chicken Thighs
- Marinate for More Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, marinate for 2 hours or overnight.
- Crispy Skin: For extra crispy skin, make sure to pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel before marinating and cook them skin-side down first.
- Check Doneness: Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking that the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F) when measured with a meat thermometer.
- Customize the Marinade: Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences.
Variations of Jamie Oliver Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade for a spicy kick.
- Herb-Infused: Use rosemary or basil instead of thyme and oregano for a different herb profile.
- Lemon Garlic: Increase the amount of garlic and lemon juice for a more pronounced lemon-garlic flavor.
- Honey Glazed: Add a tablespoon of honey to the marinade for a sweet and savory twist.
How to Store Leftovers from Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Thighs
- Cool Down: Allow the chicken thighs to cool to room temperature before storing.
- Refrigeration: Place the chicken thighs in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, wrap each chicken thigh tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Label and Freeze: Place the wrapped chicken thighs in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, label with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thawing: When ready to eat, thaw the chicken overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Reheat Leftovers from Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Thighs
Oven Reheating:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Place the chicken thighs on a baking sheet and cover loosely with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
- Reheat for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly warmed and the skin is crispy.
Microwave Reheating:
- Roasting, Grilling, or Pan-Frying
Nutrition Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 220mg
FAQs
How long should I marinate chicken thighs?
Marinate chicken thighs for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate. For the best results, marinate them for 2 hours or even overnight to achieve deeper flavor and tenderness.
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in. Boneless thighs will cook faster, so reduce the cooking time by a few minutes to avoid overcooking. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
How do I get the skin crispy on chicken thighs?
To get crispy skin on chicken thighs, make sure to pat the skin dry before marinating and cook the chicken skin-side down first. Using a high heat method like roasting, grilling, or pan-frying helps achieve a crispy, golden-brown skin.
What can I serve with Jamie Oliver Chicken Thighs?
Jamie Oliver Chicken Thighs pair well with roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Thighs recipe is a simple yet delicious way to enjoy tender, flavorful chicken with minimal effort. Whether you’re roasting, grilling, or pan-frying, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy it with your favorite sides, and savor the rich flavors that this easy recipe has to offer!
More Jamie Oliver Recipes
- Jamie Oliver Peri Peri Chicken
- Jamie Oliver Panzanella Salad
- Jamie Oliver Chicken and Leek Pie With Puff Pastry
- Jamie Oliver Mint Sauce
Jamie Oliver Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes to 2 hours marinating time, if desired)
- Cook Time: 35
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting, Grilling, or Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Thighs recipe typically involves marinating the chicken thighs in a mixture of herbs, garlic, lemon, and olive oil, then cooking them to perfection using your preferred method. The result is a delicious, tender, and juicy chicken dish that’s packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 8 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
-
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, mix together the minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
-
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the bowl, ensuring they are well coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
-
- Choose Your Cooking Method: You can roast, grill, or pan-fry the chicken thighs depending on your preference.
-
- Roasting: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the marinated chicken thighs on a baking tray, skin-side up, and roast for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy.
-
- Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken thighs skin-side down for 5-7 minutes, then flip and grill for another 5-7 minutes, or until fully cooked.
-
- Pan-Frying: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 7-8 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip and cook for another 7-8 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
Step 3: Serve
-
- Garnish and Serve: Once the chicken thighs are cooked, transfer them to a serving plate. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.