Description
This North African Spiced Chicken Thighs recipe is a vibrant and aromatic meal perfect for weeknight dinners. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are marinated in a blend of warm spices including turmeric, cumin, smoked paprika, and coriander, then seared to lock in flavor and finished in the oven for juicy, tender results. The dish delivers bold flavors with a hint of heat from cayenne, making it a simple yet exciting protein option for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil (can substitute with olive oil)
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon all spice (can substitute with cinnamon and nutmeg)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
Instructions
- Preparation: Gather all the chicken thighs and spices. Ensure the chicken thighs are boneless and skinless for easy cooking and eating.
- Marinate: In a large bowl, combine the chicken thighs with avocado oil and all the spices — turmeric, cumin, smoked paprika, ground coriander, all spice, cinnamon, cayenne, sea salt, and pepper. Toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly with the flavorful spice blend.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the seasoned chicken thighs and sear them for 1-2 minutes on each side. This step locks in the juices and develops a beautiful golden crust.
- Bake: Transfer the seared chicken carefully to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Notes
- Adjust the cayenne pepper amount to modify the spiciness level to your preference.
- For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator.
- If you prefer skin-on chicken thighs, cooking times may need slight adjustments.
- Serve with couscous, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Leftover chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently to preserve moisture.
