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Savory Stuffed Chicken Thighs: A Family Recipe for a Flavorful Dinner 🍗✨
When it comes to family dinners, finding a recipe that is both delicious and satisfying is key to creating memorable meals. Savory Stuffed Chicken Thighs offer the perfect balance of juicy, tender meat and flavorful stuffing, making them a standout choice for any occasion. This recipe is not only packed with rich flavors but is also incredibly versatile, allowing you to tailor the stuffing to your family’s preferences. Whether you’re hosting a weekend dinner, celebrating a special occasion, or simply want a comforting meal, these stuffed chicken thighs will make the whole family excited for dinner!
Why Choose Savory Stuffed Chicken Thighs?
Chicken thighs are a perfect choice for this dish due to their natural tenderness and juiciness. Unlike chicken breasts, which can dry out, chicken thighs stay moist and flavorful, making them ideal for stuffing. The stuffing, which can range from vegetables to cheeses and herbs, infuses the chicken with even more flavor, creating a savory, satisfying bite with every piece.
These stuffed chicken thighs are also a great way to get creative with ingredients. Whether you’re a fan of spinach, mushrooms, garlic, or cheese, you can customize the stuffing to your heart’s content. Plus, the recipe is simple enough to make for a weeknight family meal, yet elegant enough for a dinner party!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
For the Stuffing:
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- ½ cup mushrooms, finely chopped
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
For the Pan Sauce (Optional):
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon flour (optional, for thickening)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Thighs:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, carefully make a deep slit along the bone of each thigh to create a pocket for the stuffing. Be careful not to cut through the other side of the meat.
Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper on both the inside and outside. Set them aside.
2. Make the Stuffing:
In a medium skillet, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped mushrooms and cook for about 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Next, add the spinach to the pan and sauté until it wilts down (about 2 minutes). Remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
In a mixing bowl, combine the mushroom-spinach mixture with cream cheese, shredded mozzarella (if using), dried thyme, paprika, and fresh parsley. Stir well until everything is fully incorporated. This savory stuffing will add layers of flavor to your chicken thighs.
3. Stuff the Chicken:
Carefully stuff each chicken thigh with the savory filling. Be sure to pack the stuffing in tightly, but avoid overstuffing to prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking. Once stuffed, secure the open end of the chicken thigh with toothpicks, ensuring the filling stays inside as it cooks.
4. Sear the Chicken:
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the stuffed chicken thighs, skin-side down. Sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip the chicken over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side.
5. Bake the Chicken:
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The skin should be crispy, and the stuffing will be warm and melty.
6. Make the Pan Sauce (Optional):
While the chicken is baking, you can make a simple pa
