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- Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). This spice mix will give the chicken its flavorful crust.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and rub the spice mixture all over the skin and under the skin for maximum flavor.
- Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs skin-side down. Sear for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip the chicken and sear for an additional 3-4 minutes.
- Add the butter to the skillet and baste the chicken with the melted butter for extra flavor.
2. Bake the Chicken:
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear. Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
3. Make the Creamy Turmeric Rice and Peas:
- While the chicken is baking, rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This step helps to remove excess starch and keeps the rice fluffy.
- In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice and stir for a minute to toast it slightly.
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, turmeric powder, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Cook for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has absorbed.
- Once the rice is cooked, remove it from the heat and stir in the thawed peas and coconut milk. Mix well to combine, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve:
- Plate a generous scoop of the creamy turmeric rice and peas, topped with a succulent chicken thigh. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Enjoy this comforting dish with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal!
Tips for Success
- Marinate for Flavor: For an even richer flavor, consider marinating the chicken thighs in the spice mix for a few hours or overnight before cooking.
- Adjust Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices in the chicken rub to suit your taste preferences. Adding herbs like rosemary or oregano can bring a different dimension to the dish.
- Use Leftovers: If you have leftover chicken, it can be shredded and added to salads, sandwiches, or wraps for quick meals throughout the week.
Conclusion
This Better Than KFC Chicken Thighs with Creamy Turmeric Rice and Peas recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a classic comfort food with a twist. The combination of succulent, well-seasoned chicken and creamy, aromatic rice makes for a hearty and satisfying meal that will have your family asking for more. Give this recipe a try for your next dinner and experience the deliciousness for yourself!