Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen every single night? Imagine a delicious, hassle-free meal that not only satisfies your taste buds but also saves you precious time and energy! Our "Cook Once Eat Twice Chicken" recipe is the ultimate solution for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal effort. This mouthwatering dish transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that will have your family begging for seconds - and thirds! Get ready to revolutionize your meal prep and say goodbye to daily cooking stress.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup mixed vegetables
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your chicken thighs cook evenly and develop a nice, crispy skin.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a marinade for the chicken.
- Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and coat them thoroughly with the marinade. Allow the chicken to marinate for about 10 minutes at room temperature for better flavor absorption.
- While the chicken is marinating, prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with a bit of olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Place the marinated chicken thighs in the baking dish, skin side up. Make sure they are spaced out to allow for even cooking.
- Put the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the chicken thighs for 30-35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin is golden brown.
- While the chicken is baking, heat a small pot of water to boil the mixed vegetables. Cook the vegetables according to package instructions or until they are tender, usually about 5-7 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.
- While the chicken is resting, prepare the cooked rice in a separate pot or microwave according to package instructions if not already prepared.
- To serve, plate the cooked rice and top it with the mixed vegetables. Then, slice the chicken thighs and place them on top of the rice and vegetables for a delicious meal.
- For the 'eat twice' part of the recipe, save any leftover chicken, rice, and vegetables in airtight containers in the refrigerator. These can be used for a quick meal the next day.
Tips
- Marinating Magic: Let your chicken sit in the marinade for at least 10 minutes to ensure maximum flavor penetration. For even more intense taste, you can marinate for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- Temperature is Key: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This guarantees both safety and juiciness.
- Skin Crispiness Hack: For extra crispy chicken skin, pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels before marinating to remove excess moisture.
- Meal Prep Mastery: Store leftover chicken and sides in separate airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess. They'll stay delicious for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
- Flavor Variation: Feel free to experiment with different spice blends or swap out vegetables to keep the recipe exciting and prevent meal fatigue.
- Reheating Tip: When reheating the next day, use an oven or air fryer instead of a microwave to maintain the chicken's crispy texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 110mg
