How to Make Paleo-Friendly Roasted Chicken Thighs
If you’re on the hunt for a delicious and wholesome meal that sticks to your paleo diet, look no further. Roasted chicken thighs are not only juicy and flavorful but also incredibly easy to prepare. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the fact that it is entirely paleo-friendly, meaning it avoids grains, legumes, processed sugars, and dairy, sticking instead to whole, unprocessed foods. Today, I’ll walk you through how to make this mouth-watering dish step by step.
Ingredients
First things first, let’s talk about what you’ll need. This recipe serves 4-6 people, so adjust the quantities according to your needs.
- 6 chicken thighs (bone-in and skin-on for maximum flavor)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil or avocado oil
- 2 teaspoons of sea salt
- 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme or rosemary (or both, if you like)
- Optional: sliced lemon and fresh herbs (like rosemary or thyme) for garnishing
Instructions
Now that you’ve got all your ingredients ready, let’s get cooking.
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Preheat your oven. Start by heating your oven to 400°F (about 200°C). This high temperature is key for getting that delicious crispy skin on your chicken thighs.
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Prepare your chicken. While the oven is warming up, it’s time to prepare your chicken. Take your thighs and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for getting rid of any excess moisture, which helps in crisping up the skin in the oven.
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Season the chicken. In a small bowl, mix together the sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and your choice of dried herbs. Then, drizzle the olive oil or avocado oil over your chicken thighs, making sure they’re well coated. Next, sprinkle your seasoning mix over both sides of the chicken, giving them a good rub to ensure they’re evenly covered.
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Roast. Arrange your chicken thighs on a baking tray, skin-side up. If you have a wire rack that fits in your baking tray, use it; this allows the hot air to circulate around the chicken, cooking it evenly and helping the skin get even crispier. Place the tray in the preheated oven and roast for about 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and the juices run clear. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a thigh should read 165°F (74°C).
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Rest. Once your chicken is perfectly roasted, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This little break allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, making it even juicier.
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Serve. Serve your roasted chicken thighs hot, garnished with fresh herbs and slices of lemon if you like. They pair wonderfully with a side of roasted veggies or a simple green salad for a complete paleo-friendly meal.
Tips for the Perfect Roasted Chicken Thighs
- Don’t skip the resting step. It might be tempting to serve the chicken right out of the oven, but letting it rest makes a big difference in juiciness.
- Experiment with spices. The seasoning blend recommended is a great starting point, but feel free to get creative with your spices according to your taste preferences.
- Keep skins on. For the crispiest results, ensure your chicken thighs are skin-on. The skin not only adds flavor but also helps keep the chicken moist and juicy.
Conclusion
Roasted chicken thighs are a fantastic option for anyone following a paleo diet – or really, anyone who appreciates a hearty, nutritious meal. This dish proves that eating well does not have to be complex or time-consuming. Simple, natural ingredients and a bit of oven magic are all it takes to put together a meal that’s sure to impress. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these paleo-friendly roasted chicken thighs will not disappoint. So, preheat your oven and get ready to enjoy a meal that’s as delicious as it is good for you. Happy cooking!
