Get ready to transform your dinner routine with a mouthwatering dish that combines crispy, golden-brown chicken thighs and a vibrant, refreshing salsa that will make your taste buds dance! This recipe is not just a meal; it's a culinary adventure that brings together the rich, savory depth of perfectly roasted chicken with the bright, tangy burst of strawberry and creamy avocado. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or simply treat yourself to an extraordinary home-cooked meal, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game and leave everyone craving more.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup strawberries, diced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. This helps remove excess moisture and promotes better browning.
- Drizzle olive oil over the chicken thighs, then generously season both sides with salt and pepper. Ensure even coating for consistent flavor.
- Place chicken thighs skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece to allow proper heat circulation.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown and crispy.
- While chicken is roasting, prepare the strawberry avocado salsa. In a medium bowl, combine diced strawberries, diced avocado, finely chopped red onion, and chopped cilantro.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the salsa and gently mix to combine. Season with a pinch of salt to taste. Let the salsa sit at room temperature to allow flavors to meld.
- Once chicken is cooked, remove from oven and let rest for 5-7 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Plate the roasted chicken thighs and top generously with the fresh strawberry avocado salsa just before serving.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with additional cilantro if desired. Pair with a light salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips
- Pat chicken thighs completely dry before roasting to ensure maximum crispiness and golden-brown skin.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken - aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Allow chicken to rest after roasting to help redistribute juices and maintain moisture.
- For the salsa, use ripe but firm avocados and strawberries to get the best texture and flavor balance.
- Chop ingredients for the salsa just before serving to prevent browning and maintain freshness.
- Feel free to adjust the salsa's seasoning with a pinch of salt or extra lime juice to suit your taste.
- For added depth, consider lightly toasting the red onions or adding a small minced jalapeño to the salsa for extra kick.
- Serve immediately after topping chicken with salsa to enjoy the contrast of warm chicken and cool, fresh salsa.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 349kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 80mg
