Crispy Chicken Thighs

Crispy chicken thighs are a delicious main course that can be prepared in various ways. Here I will propose a recipe to obtain crispy baked chicken thighs with an Italian touch through the use of herbs typical of our tradition.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• 1 sprig of fresh rosemary
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 tablespoon of dried oregano
• 1 lemon (zest grated and juice)
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar (optional for a sweet and sour note)

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 200 °C.
2. Wash and dry the chicken thighs well, making sure to remove any residual feathers.
3. In a bowl, mix the extra virgin olive oil with the chopped rosemary, crushed garlic, oregano, grated zest of the lemon, salt, and black pepper.
4. Rub the mixture of oil and herbs over the chicken thighs, making sure to cover the entire surface, even under the skin to flavor the meat well.
5. Arrange the chicken thighs on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. If you want to add a sweet and sour touch, brush each thigh with a little balsamic vinegar.
6. Bake the chicken thighs for about 45 minutes, or until the skin is golden and crispy. Halfway through cooking, you can turn them to ensure even browning.
7. Remove the chicken thighs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. If desired, you can sprinkle them with a little lemon juice to add freshness.

Curiosity

Chicken is an extremely versatile dish, and aromatic herbs such as rosemary and oregano are often used in Italian cooking to enhance its flavor. A trick for extra crispy skin is to make sure it is very dry before cooking and to use an adequate amount of salt that, in addition to seasoning, helps to draw moisture out from the chicken skin.

These crispy chicken thighs can be served with a variety of side dishes, such as fresh salad, baked potatoes, or grilled vegetables. Enjoy your meal!