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This Crispy Chicken with Blistered Courgettes and Herby Green Sauce is a flavor-packed dish that balances crispy, golden-brown chicken thighs with perfectly blistered courgettes, all topped with a vibrant, herby green sauce. The combination of textures and flavors makes this a perfect casual family dinner or a light, satisfying meal for any occasion. The herby sauce, made with fresh greens, garlic, and lemon zest, adds a refreshing touch to the dish, making it irresistible.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Chicken

4 skin-on, boneless chicken thighs
Olive oil (as needed)
Salt (to taste)

For the Vegetables

4 large courgettes (600g)
20g fine herbs: basil, mint, parsley, or dill (I used parsley and dill)
100g greens (cavalo nero, kale, chard, or baby spinach)
1 large/2 small cloves garlic, finely sliced
1 green chili, finely diced (seeds removed)
1 lemon (zest and juice)

For the Grains

3 cups cooked grain of choice (giant couscous, barley, spelt, quinoa, or rice)

For the Herby Green Sauce

4 tbsp thick Greek yogurt
Olive oil (as needed)

Directions

Prepare the Chicken
- Generously salt the chicken thighs and lightly coat with olive oil.
- Place the chicken skin-side down in a cold pan, then turn the heat to medium-low. Press down on the chicken with a weight or another pan to ensure full contact with the pan.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Flip the chicken and cook for another 2 minutes until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
Prepare the Vegetables
- Cut the courgettes at an angle to create varied shapes.
- Wash your greens and strip any thick stems. Slice the stems finely and the leaves thinly.
- Slice the garlic and dice the green chili.
Cook the Vegetables
- Heat a pan and add olive oil. Sauté the courgettes without stirring until one side is golden brown. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.
- Deglaze the pan with water, scraping up any browned bits, and toss this flavorful liquid with your cooked grains.
Make the Herby Green Sauce
- In the same pan, sauté the garlic and sliced stems of the greens until soft. Add the greens leaves and chili, cooking until wilted.
- Transfer the mixture to a food processor and blend with the herbs, lemon zest, and olive oil until it forms a thick, chunky sauce. If you don’t have a food processor, finely chop the ingredients and mix with olive oil to achieve the right consistency.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper.
Assemble the Dish
- Mix 2-3 tablespoons of the green sauce through the grains, and stir in the blistered courgettes.
- Plate the grains and courgettes, top with the crispy chicken, and add a dollop of Greek yogurt. Finish with a spoonful of the remaining green sauce and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Nutrients (per serving)

Calories: 350
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
Sodium: 450mg
Potassium: 500mg
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 5g
Vitamin A: 25% DV
Vitamin C: 30% DV
Calcium: 6% DV
Iron: 15% DV

Why Chicken Thighs?

The choice of chicken thighs in this recipe plays a crucial role in the flavor and texture of the dish. Chicken thighs, especially when cooked with the skin on, offer a higher fat content than chicken breasts, which makes them juicier and more flavorful. The skin, when cooked properly, becomes golden and crispy, providing a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender meat inside.

The cooking method for the chicken ensures that the skin gets crispy while the meat remains moist. By placing the chicken skin-side down in a cold pan and gradually increasing the heat, the skin has time to render the fat, making it crispy without drying out the meat. This method allows the chicken to cook evenly, providing the perfect combination of crispy skin and juicy, tender meat.

Blistered Courgettes: The Perfect Vegetable Side

Courgettes (or zucchinis) are an excellent vegetable choice for this dish. Their mild flavor and soft texture make them the perfect complement to the boldness of the crispy chicken and the freshness of the herby green sauce. In this recipe, the courgettes are sliced at an angle to create varying shapes, which not only enhances the presentation but also helps them cook more evenly.

Blistering the courgettes in a hot pan without stirring them allows one side to become golden brown and crispy, while keeping the inside tender. The addition of salt and pepper seasons the courgettes perfectly, enhancing their natural flavor. When combined with the grains and the herby sauce, the courgettes bring an added layer of freshness and slight sweetness, balancing out the richness of the chicken.

The Grains: A Hearty Base

The grains used in this dish act as a hearty base that ties the various elements together. Whether you choose giant couscous, barley, spelt, quinoa, or rice, the grains provide a satisfying texture and absorb the flavors of the blistered courgettes and the herby green sauce. They serve as a perfect canvas for the vegetables and chicken, allowing each bite to be a combination of textures and flavors.

The grains are cooked until tender and then tossed with the flavorful liquid left behind from the blistered courgettes. This adds a layer of richness to the grains, ensuring that they don’t just sit as a bland base but instead contribute to the overall depth of the dish. The grains absorb the sauce, creating a cohesive and flavorful backdrop for the crispy chicken and the fresh vegetables.

The Herby Green Sauce: A Bright and Refreshing Twist

The herby green sauce is one of the standout features of this dish. Made from fresh greens like kale, spinach, or cavalo nero, garlic, and chili, it brings a bright, refreshing kick to the plate. The greens are sautéed with garlic and chili to release their aromatic flavors, and then blended with fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or dill, along with lemon zest and olive oil. This results in a chunky, vibrant sauce that has a creamy texture but is full of fresh, herby flavors.

The addition of lemon zest in the sauce adds a zesty brightness that complements the richness of the chicken and the sweetness of the courgettes. The spicy kick from the green chili further elevates the sauce, giving it a subtle heat that balances the richness of the dish. The herby green sauce not only enhances the flavors but also adds a pop of color, making the dish visually appealing as well as flavorful.

Combining Flavors and Textures

What makes this dish so enjoyable is the balance between different textures and flavors. The crispy, golden chicken thighs provide a rich, savory contrast to the tender, slightly sweet courgettes. The grains offer a satisfying, hearty base, while the herby green sauce ties everything together with its refreshing, slightly spicy, and tangy elements.

The creamy, flavorful sauce is drizzled over the grains, while the blistered courgettes add a fresh, crunchy component that contrasts beautifully with the other elements of the dish. The final touch of the crispy chicken and the herby sauce makes this a complete and satisfying meal. Each bite delivers a perfect combination of richness, freshness, and spice, making it a flavorful experience from start to finish.

Customizing the Dish to Fit Your Preferences

While this recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors, it’s also versatile and can easily be customized to fit your dietary preferences or what you have available. For example, if you prefer a more substantial vegetable element, you can add roasted bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or even eggplant to the dish.

For a more protein-packed meal, you can opt for other cuts of chicken, such as chicken breasts or drumsticks, although the thighs provide the best flavor and moisture. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you could swap out the chicken for a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh, both of which can be cooked in the same way to achieve a crispy, flavorful texture.

For those who prefer a milder dish, you can adjust the level of chili in the green sauce or omit it altogether. The sauce will still be vibrant and full of flavor without the heat, and you can increase the lemon zest or add extra herbs to maintain the freshness.

A Perfect Meal for Any Occasion

This Crispy Chicken with Blistered Courgettes and Herby Green Sauce is versatile enough to be served on a weeknight as a quick and easy dinner, yet elegant enough for a special occasion. It’s a dish that’s full of fresh, vibrant flavors and can be made in under an hour, making it a great option for busy families or last-minute gatherings.

The balance of textures—crispy chicken, tender courgettes, creamy grains, and a vibrant herby sauce—makes this dish a well-rounded meal that’s satisfying yet not overly heavy. It’s a perfect option for a light but hearty dinner that can be enjoyed any time of year, whether you’re serving it on a warm summer evening or during the colder months.

Conclusion: A Flavorful and Balanced Dish

Crispy Chicken with Blistered Courgettes and Herby Green Sauce is a wonderful example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a vibrant and flavorful meal. The combination of crispy chicken, tender vegetables, hearty grains, and a zesty, herby sauce creates a dish that is both satisfying and refreshing. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a show-stopping dish for a gathering, this recipe offers the perfect balance of textures and flavors.

The versatility of this dish allows you to easily tailor it to your preferences, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion. It’s a meal that feels both light and indulgent, offering something for everyone to enjoy. With its vibrant colors, bold flavors, and satisfying components, Crispy Chicken with Blistered Courgettes and Herby Green Sauce is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen.

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