Stuffed Chicken Thighs
A hearty main of marinated chicken thighs filled with a fragrant mix of basmati and short-grain rice cooked with gizzards and cinnamon.
Stuffed chicken thighs are a rich main dish that pairs marinated chicken with a rice stuffing of gizzards seasoned with cinnamon and spices. The thighs are opened, filled and baked until the chicken is cooked and golden, giving you a complete dish that brings meat and rice together, fit for gatherings.
How to Prepare
1. Blend the marinade onion, tomato, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper and spice; coat the chicken and leave to marinate.
2. For the stuffing, heat the oil with the sugar until golden, then saute the onion and gizzards with salt, pepper, spice and cinnamon.
3. Add the mixed basmati and Egyptian rice, stir, then add water and cook until almost done.
4. Open the chicken thighs and fill each with the rice stuffing; close and secure.
5. Arrange in a baking tray and bake until the chicken is cooked through and golden. Serve hot.
Made it? Rate this recipe
Mixing basmati with short-grain Egyptian rice gives a stuffing that holds together yet stays fluffy.
Ingredient Swaps
The gizzards can be replaced with ground meat or toasted nuts for a lighter stuffing. For the rice, a single type can be used instead of mixing basmati and Egyptian rice, depending on availability. The chicken thighs can also be replaced with breasts butterflied into a pocket for stuffing.
Common Questions
Why is the chicken marinated?
Marinating gives the chicken a deeper flavour and keeps it tender after baking.
Should the rice be cooked before stuffing?
Yes, the rice is cooked until almost done before stuffing so it finishes cooking inside the chicken.
How do I keep the stuffing from leaking during baking?
Seal the thighs well and secure them with wooden picks or kitchen twine.
What is the role of cinnamon in the stuffing?
Cinnamon adds warmth and a distinctive flavour that harmonizes with the rice and gizzards.
How do I get a golden top?
Bake it uncovered at the end until the chicken browns and turns golden.
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