North African Spiced Chicken Thighs Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cinnamon, paprika, turmeric, minced garlic, grated ginger, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended to create a fragrant marinade.

2. 2

   Marinate the Chicken: Add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to deeply infuse the meat.

3. 3

   Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat fully, preparing for roasting the chicken thighs.

4. 4

   Roast the Chicken: Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased baking dish. Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 30–35 minutes until the chicken is cooked through, juices run clear, and an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) is reached.

5. 5

   Rest the Meat: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, enhancing tenderness and flavor.

6. 6

   Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro or parsley over the chicken thighs before serving. Pair with couscous, rice, or flatbreads for a complete North African-inspired meal.