Chicken Thighs with Pasta

This stovetop-to-oven method yields crisp, dark-golden skin and juicy, tender meat.

 Makes 6 servings

4       pounds skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs ( you can use leg quarters)
2      teaspoons kosher salt
1      teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/2   teaspoon paprika
2      teaspoons vegetable oil
8      ounces cellentani pasta  [ or the type of pasta  you prefer ]
1      cup chicken broth 
Arugula Pesto {optional }

1.    Preheat oven to 400°. Sprinkle chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.

2.    Heat oil in a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over high heat until oil just begins to smoke.

3.    Place chicken in skillet, skin sides down; reduce heat to medium-high, and cook 15 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate; discard drippings.

4.    Prepare pasta according to package directions. Toss with chicken broth and 3 Tbsp. Arugula Pesto. Add pasta mixture to skillet. Place chicken, skin sides up, on pasta.

5.    Bake at 400° for 25 to 30 minutes. Dollop with additional Arugula Pesto.
TIPS :
Olives & Caperberries: Omit pasta, broth, and pesto. Prepare as directed through Step 3. Cut 1 lemon into 1/4-inch-thick rounds. Stir together 1 cup pitted large Spanish olives, 1 cup large caperberries with stems, 1/4 cup coarsely chopped almonds, and 1/4 cup dry white wine in skillet; add lemon slices. Place chicken, skin sides up, in skillet. Bake as directed. Sprinkle with parsley.

Poblanos & Onions: Omit pasta, chicken broth, and pesto. Prepare recipe as directed through Step 3. Place 3 large poblano peppers, seeded and chopped, and 1/2 large white onion, chopped, in skillet. Place chicken, skin sides up, in skillet. Bake as directed. Remove from oven, and top with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and 1/4 cup crumbled queso blanco.


Potatoes & Rosemary: Omit pasta, chicken broth, and pesto. Prepare recipe as directed through Step 3. Place 2 lb. small fingerling potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch-thick pieces, in a single layer in skillet, and sprinkle with 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh rosemary and 1/4 tsp. salt. Place chicken, skin sides up, in skillet, and sprinkle with 1/4 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary. Bake as directed.
TIP :Add ingredients  to this dish and make it your own this recipe  your own.
Heart healthy