Craft deliciously **grilled chicken thighs** with this speedy marinade that guarantees juicy, tasty outcomes consistently! This family-approved recipe is suitable for both bone-in and boneless thighs, ensuring it becomes a staple for your summer grilling.

## Grilled chicken thighs: boneless vs bone-in

To prepare grilled chicken thighs, you will require 8 large or 12 small for 4 servings. Numerous chefs and food enthusiasts assert that chicken thighs are the finest cut of chicken, so you’re in for a delight! They contain more fat than chicken breasts, imparting a stronger, richer flavor compared to white meat. This recipe is effective for both grilled boneless chicken thighs and bone-in, skin-on thighs:

– **Bone-in, skin-on thighs deliver superior flavor.** Cooking chicken with the bone allows the flavors from within the bone to seep into the meat, resulting in a more robust, richer taste. The skin also crisps up and becomes nicely seasoned.

– **Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are also effective, offering easier consumption.** They grill wonderfully and require slightly less cooking time.

## My transformative marinade

My **chicken thigh marinade** distinguishes these thighs from any you’ve tried before. Rather than a conventional liquid marinade that can slide off the chicken, I’ve crafted a thicker, paste-like blend that adheres to it. Here’s what enhances its uniqueness:

– **Dijon mustard** serves as both a flavor booster and natural tenderizer, aiding the other spices in adhering to the chicken.

– **Worcestershire sauce** contributes that crucial umami factor that prompts people to exclaim, “what IS that fantastic taste?”

– **Fresh lemon juice** brightens the mixture and aids in breaking down proteins for optimal tenderness.

– The spice combination of **smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme** offers multilayered flavors that enhance the chicken’s natural richness without overwhelming it.

### Pro tip

When applying the marinade to skin-on thighs, utilize your fingers to work some of the mixture beneath the skin. This guarantees the flavors permeate the meat directly, resulting in extraordinarily well-seasoned chicken.

## How long to grill chicken thighs

The grilling duration for chicken thighs depends on their size and whether they are bone-in or boneless. **At medium-high heat, small chicken thighs require 9 to 11 minutes to grill while large thighs take 10 to 13 minutes,** with boneless thighs cooking at the shorter end of each interval. Here’s how to grill chicken thighs:

1. Preheat a grill to medium-high heat (375°F to 450°F).

2. Grill the thighs smooth side down until grill marks appear and they release from the grates, approximately 5 to 6 minutes for small thighs and 6 to 8 for large thighs. Flip and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 4 to 5 minutes.

3. Transfer to a platter and cover with foil. Let it rest for 5 minutes for ultimate juiciness.

## A note on organic chicken

For this recipe, you will need 8 large or 12 small chicken thighs to generously serve 4 individuals. I always opt for organic chicken when available—it not only tastes superior, but per **USDA standards**, organic chicken is reared in more natural environments and fed 100% organic feed without antibiotics or hormones.

## Serving suggestions that impress

The versatility of these grilled chicken thighs is truly remarkable. Here are my favorite serving suggestions:

For sauce options, I enjoy pairing these with **buffalo ranch** for those who prefer a bit of spice, or my homemade **honey mustard** for a sweeter choice. The **cilantro lime dressing** from my Mexican recipes also complements the smoky flavors excellently.

## Dietary notes

This grilled chicken thighs recipe is both gluten-free and dairy-free.

## Frequently asked questions

**How do I prevent grilled chicken thighs from drying out?**
Brining or marinating chicken thighs in advance helps retain moisture.

**What’s the best method for achieving crispy skin on grilled chicken thighs?**
Dry the skin before grilling and ensure the grill grates are clean. Start by grilling skin-side down over direct heat to render the fat and crisp the skin, then flip and complete cooking over indirect heat.

**What are some delectable marinades for grilled chicken thighs?**
Popular marinade choices include lemon-herb, honey-garlic, barbecue, and Asian-inspired flavors. You can also craft your own unique combinations with your favorite herbs, spices, and sauces.

## Grilled Chicken Thighs (Quick & Simple!)

Craft deliciously grilled chicken thighs with this speedy marinade that guarantees juicy, flavorful outcomes consistently! This family-approved recipe is suitable for both bone-in and boneless thighs, ensuring it becomes a staple for your summer grilling.

### Ingredients

– 8 large or 12 small chicken thighs, boneless

### Soft Egg Noodles with Cottage Cheese: A Sentimental Comfort Food

Soft egg noodles combined with velvety cottage cheese and a dollop of butter create a flavorful and hearty dish that sparks memories and warmth. This recipe, made using common pantry items, is ideal for quick weeknight meals, delivering a fulfilling dish in under 20 minutes.

#### Taste Profile
The dish boasts a creamy, buttery consistency, with delicate noodles enhanced by the gentle and zesty taste of cottage cheese. The addition of sautéed onions imparts a touch of sweetness, elevating the overall flavor.

#### Difficulty Level
This recipe is suitable for novices, requiring basic cooking skills. It can be composed in under 20 minutes, and since only one skillet is necessary for preparation, cleaning up is simple.

#### Serving Ideas
For an enjoyable variation, think about transferring the mixture to a casserole dish, sprinkling it with seasoned breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese, and broiling until the cheese is golden and bubbling. This introduces a crunchy texture that contrasts delightfully with the creamy noodles.

#### Money-Saving Tip
To maximize your meal, incorporate any leftover meats, turning this side dish into a robust one-pot main meal.

### Ingredient Recommendations for Cottage Cheese and Noodles
– **Cottage Cheese**: The richest sauce will come from full-fat cottage cheese, though any type can suffice. For a smoother consistency, choose small curd cottage cheese.
– **Noodles**: You may create your own egg noodles or buy them. Wide egg noodles are suggested for a traditional texture.

### Variations
– Explore various seasoning mixtures to complement your menu, such as taco, Greek, or lemon pepper spices.
– Experiment with different pasta shapes like penne, bowtie, cavatappi, or thicker spaghetti options such as bucatini.
– For a smoother sauce, blend the cottage cheese using an immersion blender prior to mixing it with the noodles. Ricotta can also serve as a substitute for cottage cheese.

### Steps to Prepare Cottage Cheese and Noodles
1. **Boil the Noodles**: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook as per package instructions. Drain without rinsing, then return the pasta to the pot.
2. **Sauté the Onion**: In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until soft and lightly browned, about 10-12 minutes.
3. **Mix Ingredients**: Combine the sautéed onion with the pasta along with cottage cheese, salt, and pepper. Cook on medium heat until the sauce is warmed through.
4. **Serve**: Top with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle with parsley if desired.

#### Success Tips
– Mixing the noodles with butter initially helps ensure the cottage cheese melts uniformly.
– To prep in advance, boil the noodles and store in the fridge. Reheat with butter and cottage cheese when ready for serving.
– When reheating leftovers, incorporate a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.

### Storing Leftovers
Keep any surplus cottage cheese and noodles in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a bit of milk to preserve the creamy texture. Leftovers can also serve as a layer in lasagna or a substantial tuna casserole.

### Nutritional Information (per serving)
– **Calories**: 382
– **Carbohydrates**: 44g
– **Protein**: 15g
– **Fat**: 16g
– **Sodium**: 428mg
– **Fiber**: 2g
– **Sugar**: 3g

This soothing dish of cottage cheese and noodles is not just simple to prepare, but also flexible for different palates and preferences, making it an excellent choice for any weeknight meal rotation.

**How to Make Spicy Shrimp Crispy Rice in an Air Fryer**

Spicy shrimp crispy rice is a tasty dish that blends the delicious flavors of shrimp with the enjoyable crunch of crispy rice. Utilizing an air fryer for this recipe not only makes it healthier but also improves the texture and taste. Here’s a detailed guide to whipping up this wonderful meal.

**Ingredients:**

For the Shrimp:
– 1 pound of large shrimp, cleaned and deveined
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon of sriracha or hot sauce
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon of ginger, grated
– Salt and pepper to taste

For the Crispy Rice:
– 2 cups of cooked jasmine or basmati rice, chilled
– 2 tablespoons of sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon of rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon of green onions, chopped
– 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds

**Instructions:**

1. **Marinate the Shrimp:**
– In a bowl, mix olive oil, soy sauce, sriracha, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and pepper.
– Add the shrimp to the marinade, making sure they are well coated. Allow them to marinate for at least 15-20 minutes in the refrigerator.

2. **Prepare the Crispy Rice:**
– In another bowl, combine the chilled rice with sesame oil, soy sauce, and rice vinegar.
– Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
– Evenly distribute the rice in the air fryer basket. Cook for approximately 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the rice is golden and crispy.

3. **Cook the Shrimp:**
– After the rice is finished, take it out of the air fryer and set aside.
– Arrange the marinated shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
– Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the shrimp are fully cooked and slightly crispy on the edges.

4. **Assemble the Dish:**
– In a serving dish, create a layer of crispy rice as the base.
– Place the spicy shrimp on top.
– Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor and visual appeal.

5. **Serve and Enjoy:**
– Serve the spicy shrimp crispy rice right away while hot. It goes wonderfully with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

**Tips:**
– For an added kick, incorporate a dash of red pepper flakes into the shrimp marinade.
– Make sure the rice is thoroughly cooled before air frying to achieve optimal crispiness.
– Modify the spice level by adjusting the quantity of sriracha or hot sauce to your taste.

This spicy shrimp crispy rice creation is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it an excellent option for a quick and satisfying meal. The air fryer not only simplifies the cooking method but also provides a healthier alternative without sacrificing taste. Enjoy this delightful dish with loved ones!

This genuine tzatziki sauce recipe showcases Greek yogurt, cucumber, and fresh garlic for an exceptionally creamy dip! Ideal for Mediterranean meals, falafel, grilled chicken, and veggies.

I’ve been refining this homemade tzatziki recipe for years, and I can confidently assert it competes with what you’ll find at eateries! Following an unforgettable journey to Greece, Alex and I crafted a version to encapsulate the essence of our experience with this classic dip.

This recipe has graced our website for numerous years, and when I recently served it with my grilled chicken thighs at a dinner party, guests couldn’t stop praising it. Even Alex’s meat and potatoes uncle described it as “Incredible.” Alex and I have featured this at numerous dinner gatherings, and it consistently shines as the highlight. Whether you’re dipping pita chips or spreading it on a sandwich, I’m sure you’ll adore this one!

Key tzatziki components

Tzatziki is a yogurt and cucumber sauce prevalent in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines, particularly in Greek and Turkish dishes. It is frequently served as a side alongside pita or veggies, or as a sauce with gyros or falafel.

Countless opinions exist regarding this dip, especially about what constitutes the most genuine tzatziki recipe! Lacking Mediterranean or Middle Eastern heritage, we respect the rich tradition of this cuisine (here’s a traditional recipe by a Greek chef). Here are the typical ingredients found in tzatziki:

– Full-fat Greek yogurt: Utilizing full-fat yogurt is crucial to achieve the desired creaminess!
– Grated cucumber: Just the right amount to maintain a creamy texture. An English cucumber is preferable as it doesn’t need peeling or seeding!
– Garlic: Fresh garlic is vital here; avoid using jarred minced garlic.
– Olive oil: Oil contributes essential flavor and texture.
– Red wine vinegar: A touch of acidity adds some zest. While some opt for lemon, our findings indicate that vinegar is the most authentic choice.
– Fresh dill (optional): Fresh dill isn’t always present in traditional Greek tzatziki, but we appreciate how the herbal flavor elevates the dip.
– Salt: Salt is crucial for proper seasoning.

Pro tips for tzatziki sauce

There’s just one secret to tzatziki sauce: otherwise it’s simply a matter of combining ingredients! Cucumbers are water-laden, so it’s imperative to extract as much excess moisture as possible before integrating it into the dip. Here’s what to keep in mind:

– Peel and grate the cucumber, then salt it and let it sit for 10 minutes. This aids in drawing out the liquid.
– Squeeze out as much excess liquid as you can with your hands. This step is vital; otherwise, the dip will be overly watery.
– Mix! Then blend the cucumber with the Greek yogurt, garlic, olive oil, and seasonings.

Opt for an English cucumber

This tzatziki sauce is best made with an English cucumber rather than a regular one, but either variety works! English cucumber has a sweet taste and unnoticeable skin and seeds, making it easy to use in this recipe.

A standard cucumber can be utilized, but be sure to seed and peel it first, as the peel is quite bitter and the seeds are large. Persian cucumbers also work well: they’re akin to an English cucumber but smaller!

Vegan tzatziki sauce alternative

Recently, I dedicated hours to testing a vegan tzatziki sauce alternative since my son follows a dairy-free diet. I experimented with various substitutes (cashew cream, tahini, etc.), but nothing was satisfactory. Ultimately, I succeeded with coconut yogurt, which proved to be superb!

I used Cocojune coconut yogurt, known for its thickness and tanginess. I understand that brands can differ, so seek one that is plain, thick, and tangy. Leave a comment below if you have a preferred brand!

Tasty ways to enjoy tzatziki

This adaptable sauce complements numerous dishes, so I always keep a container in my fridge. Here are my favorite applications:

– Mediterranean mezze platter: I present it with classic hummus, marinated olives, and warm pita bread for an authentic Greek appetizer spread.
– Grilled proteins: It’s fantastic for summer grilling: try grilled chicken, grilled chicken thighs, grilled salmon, or my blackened chicken.
– Falafel and gyros: Indispensable for traditional falafel or falafel sandwiches.
– Vegetable dip: Fresh cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, cherry tomatoes, and carrots taste wonderful dipped in this sauce.
– Burger spread: I enjoy using it on chickpea burgers or salmon burgers in place of mayo.
– Fish cakes and fritters: It’s a perfect match for salmon cakes, tuna cakes, vegan crab cakes, corn fritters, or zucchini fritters.

Storage and preparation tips

Keep this homemade tzatziki in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

# Creamy Guacamole Recipe: A Taste of Mexico

Filled with fresh avocados, onion, jalapeno, tomato, and cilantro, this creamy guacamole recipe gets a lift from a splash of lime juice to enhance all the lively flavors of Mexico! Ideal as a dip, spread, or dressing, this guacamole is a flexible complement to any dish.

## Flavor Profile
This guacamole provides a creamy, tangy, and lightly spicy taste, achieving the ideal harmony of flavor and texture. The freshness of the components boosts its allure, making it a hit at gatherings.

## Skill Level
This simple recipe comes together swiftly – just mash, combine, and serve. It’s appropriate for all skill levels, making it a perfect option for both beginners and seasoned chefs.

## Preparation Tips
– **Ingredient Preparation**: Finely dice all the ingredients or utilize a veggie chopper for the perfect blend in every scoop.
– **Time-Saving Tip**: To reduce prep time, consider using pre-diced onions or jalapeños.

## Serving Suggestions
Present this guacamole as a dip with tortilla chips, as a spread on sandwiches, or as a dressing for salads. Its adaptability makes it a wonderful addition to various dishes.

## Ingredient Tips for Guacamole
– **Avocados**: Select fresh, firm, ripe avocados with no bruises or tears on the skin for easy mashing and the best consistency.
– **Mix-Ins**: Incorporate fresh ingredients to boost flavor and texture. Fresh tomatoes add juiciness, jalapeños provide a spicy kick, onions deliver crunch, and lime juice adds tang while preventing browning.
– **Seasonings**: A pinch of fresh cilantro (optional), salt, and pepper is all you need to elevate the rich avocado flavor.

## Best Variations
– Mix in a couple of spoonfuls of your preferred salsa or pico de gallo.
– Include chopped black olives, corn kernels, serrano pepper, or green chiles for added flavor.
– Boost the taste with a sprinkle of taco seasoning or a spicy adobo blend.

## Storage Tips
To stop leftover guacamole from browning, place the pit in the bowl and press a piece of plastic wrap over the surface to touch the guacamole. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

## Nutritional Information (per serving)
– **Calories**: 171
– **Carbohydrates**: 11g
– **Protein**: 2g
– **Fat**: 14g
– **Saturated Fat**: 2g
– **Sodium**: 8mg
– **Potassium**: 554mg
– **Fiber**: 7g
– **Sugar**: 1g
– **Vitamin A**: 345 IU
– **Vitamin C**: 19.4mg
– **Calcium**: 18mg
– **Iron**: 0.7mg

## Conclusion
Guacamole is a traditional Mexican favorite that adds flavor and vibrancy to a variety of dishes. Its creamy consistency and fresh ingredients make it a beloved choice for many. Savor this delightful guacamole recipe at your next gathering or as a delicious complement to your meals!