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ChineseAuthentic Cuisine

Chinese Grilled Chicken Thighs

Serves 4 to 6 Entree chicken, Poultry

Chinese Grilled Chicken Thighs

Chinese Grilled Chicken Thighs, a staple in home kitchens, captures the simplicity and warmth of family meals. This dish is less about elaborate techniques and more about trusting your instincts. Salt is sprinkled with intuition, and the chicken thighs are coated in a yogurt marinade, creating a tender delight that speaks to the comfort of home cooking. This recipe, passed down through generations, reflects the casual elegance of Chinese family dining.

The smoky aroma of grilled chicken mingles with the rich, creamy tang of yogurt, enhanced by the subtle warmth of paprika. A generous use of oil ensures each bite is succulent, while a dash of black pepper adds a gentle kick. Eaten around a table meant for sharing, these chicken thighs offer a taste that is both familiar and deeply satisfying.

Ingredients

  • 800 gchicken thighs
  • 2 tbspyogurt
  • 1 tbspoil
  • 1 tsppaprika
  • to tastefine sea salt and black pepper

Method

  1. Begin by patting the 800 g chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps in achieving a good sear. Season the thighs generously with fine sea salt, black pepper, and 1 tsp paprika, ensuring they are evenly coated on all sides. In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd the pan, and cook until the skin is golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Once the chicken thighs are browned, flip them over to the other side. Add 2 tbsp yogurt to the pan, allowing it to coat the chicken and mix with the rendered fat to create a rich sauce. Reduce the heat to medium and continue cooking the chicken, basting occasionally with the sauce, until the meat is cooked through and tender. The chicken is done when the juices run clear and the meat feels firm to the touch.
  3. If the sauce in the pan is too thin, increase the heat slightly to reduce it to your desired consistency, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt and black pepper if needed. The sauce should be flavorful and slightly thickened, clinging to the chicken thighs.
  4. To finish, remove the skillet from the heat and let the chicken rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Serve the Chinese Grilled Chicken Thighs hot, garnished with freshly chopped herbs if desired, and enjoy with family and friends.
Cover of Authentic Chinese Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Chinese Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Chinese Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Chinese volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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