It was another case of mid-week laziness. I knew it was my turn to cook dinner, I just couldn’t seem to summon the energy to be inventive, so I rustled up an old favourite that I know the boy likes: my paprika and thyme chicken.
This little dish owes its origins to an abundance of thyme in the garden and an excess of paprika in the spice rack – I quite literally just banged this one out, but its become a dependable mid-week fall-back. It’s developed a little over the years but essentially is the same as it always has been. Mid-week dinners don’t need to be fancy, they need to be filling, quick and wholesome.
What I love most about this dish is that from such a small list of common ingredients, the chicken is transformed into a flavour packed bowl of absolute goodness – it also makes the perfect lunch next day at work. Its the three key ingredients that just seem to work so well together; thyme, paprika and shallots. When the paprika starts to cook into the shallots they become this wonderfully sticky and moreish jam like onion mix – all topped off with that pungent smell of cooking thyme. I love it.
So next time you’re stuck, need some mid-week inspiration – I implore you to give this chicken a try, you won’t regret it.
Serves 4
The list:
4 – 6 large skinless chicken thigh fillets
2 heaped tsp paprika
6 – 7 sprigs of thyme, leaves stripped
2 – 3 Tbs olive oil
2 garlic cloves, crushed
3 shallots, thickly sliced
Salt and pepper
The method:
- In a large bowl combine paprika, garlic, thyme leaves seasoning and olive oil, mixing together to make a paste-like marinade
- Add chicken thigh fillets to the bowl and mix thoroughly, ensuring all surfaces are coated with the mixture, leaving to sit for half an hour in the fridge
- Heat a non-stick pan on high, then add the chicken (fillets laid flat), including all the extra marinade and shallots and cook for 3 -4 minutes on each side (thigh fillet size will vary cooking time)
- Once cooked through, remove from pan and allow to rest for a couple minutes before serving
*Serve with couscous, polenta or just a fresh salad
Enjoy!
Oh… it looks wonderful! I love the colour from the paprika 🙂
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