Description
Experience the rich and aromatic flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine with Nigella Chicken Thighs. This dish features succulent bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs marinated in a fragrant blend of nigella seeds, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, garlic, and yogurt, then perfectly roasted to crispy, golden perfection. With a balance of spices and tender meat, it makes a delightful main course that’s both flavorful and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 6 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
Marinade
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons nigella seeds
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prepare it for roasting the chicken.
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, mix together olive oil, nigella seeds, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, lemon juice, minced garlic, and plain yogurt to create a fragrant and flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Rub the marinade thoroughly onto each thigh, ensuring you get the marinade under and over the skin for maximum flavor absorption.
- Arrange the chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs skin-side up in the prepared baking dish, spacing them so they roast evenly.
- Roast the chicken: Roast the chicken uncovered in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Rest the chicken: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes; this helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat moist.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken thighs before serving to add a pop of color and fresh herbaceous flavor.
Notes
- Nigella seeds have a slightly onion-like, nutty flavor and should not be substituted if possible to maintain authentic taste.
- For an extra crispy skin, place the chicken under the broiler for the final 2 to 3 minutes of cooking.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables or rice to complete the meal.
