These cumin coconut spiced chicken thighs are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that's perfect for a weeknight meal. The chicken is marinated in a blend of cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper, then cooked in a skillet until the skin is crispy. The chicken is then transferred to the oven and baked until cooked through. The result is a juicy and flavorful chicken dish that's sure to please everyone at the table.
In the annals of culinary history, there are few dishes as beloved as chicken thighs. They're juicy, flavorful, and relatively inexpensive, making them a staple in kitchens around the world. But what if there was a way to make chicken thighs even better? That's where this recipe for cumin coconut spiced chicken thighs comes in.
This dish is inspired by the flavors of India, where cumin and coconut are commonly used in both sweet and savory dishes. The cumin adds a warm, earthy flavor to the chicken, while the coconut milk adds a touch of sweetness and creaminess. The result is a dish that's both flavorful and satisfying.
I first developed this recipe a few years ago when I was looking for a way to use up some leftover coconut milk. I had been experimenting with Indian flavors at the time, and I thought that the cumin and coconut would be a good combination. I was not disappointed. The chicken thighs turned out so well that I've been making them regularly ever since.
This recipe is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. If you like your chicken spicy, you can add more cayenne pepper to the marinade. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can omit the cayenne pepper altogether. You can also adjust the amount of coconut milk in the recipe to suit your taste. If you like a more creamy sauce, you can add more coconut milk. If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can add less coconut milk.
Prep time: 10 | Cook time: 35 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
2 tbsp coconut oil
1 tbsp ground cumin
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup coconut milk
Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a small bowl, mix together the cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken thighs, making sure to coat them evenly.
Heat coconut oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin side down, and cook for 5 minutes until the skin is crispy.
Flip the chicken thighs and add coconut milk to the skillet.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Why It Works
The cumin and coconut milk add a lot of flavor to the chicken.
The chicken is cooked in a skillet until the skin is crispy, which gives it a nice texture.
The chicken is then transferred to the oven and baked until cooked through, which helps to keep it juicy.