Crispy chicken thighs

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PRESENTATION

Cosce di pollo croccanti are this amazing dish from northern Italy. You know, with local ingredients like polenta, it makes chicken something special. Really special. In this recipe, chicken thighs get this awesome coat of yellow polenta and herbs—think rosemary, thyme, and just a hint of garlic powder. Really makes each bite crispy. And yet, super tender inside. It's a thing, especially in Lombardy and Veneto. They've loved this method forever. And look, when you need easy chicken thigh recipes, this one's a no-brainer.

So here's the thing: pan-frying is how you get that golden, crunchy outside—way better than ordinary breaded chicken. Plus, polenta gives it that nutty flavor. Makes it exciting, more than just breadcrumbs. You know, it’s not your average baked chicken thighs.

In Italy, they pair these crispy chicken thighs with fresh salad or roasted veggies. Nice, simple sides. Everyone does it year-round. It's perfect for a casual weeknight dinner. Or even a slow Sunday lunch, which is great. And it’s one of those healthy chicken recipes that actually get you excited. Up north, they sometimes use baked apples. A sweet-tart twist! Or, a yogurt marinade for extra moist and juicy meat. So, so good.

Here's the deal: everyone loves that golden crust. The satisfying crunch—before you hit the soft chicken inside. Whether you're into oven-baked chicken thighs or trying out new quick chicken dinners, this style suits anyone. Really. If you like rustic but flavorful food, you've gotta try this. With those simple yet rich flavors of herbs and polenta, it’s a keeper. Works beautifully every single time. Plus, the warm, familiar taste? Makes it a favorite for pretty much any occasion. It’s gonna be a staple in your meal rotation for sure.

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INGREDIENTS
Chicken legs 8
Garlic powder 1 pinch
Yellow mustard powder 1 pinch
Sweet Paprika 1 pinch
Rosemary 1 sprig
Thyme 1 sprig
Extra virgin olive oil 2 tbsp (30 ml)
Lemon peel 1
Orange peel 1
Instant flour for polenta ¾ cup (100 g)
Black pepper to taste
Fine salt to taste
Preparation

How to prepare Crispy chicken thighs

To prepare the crispy chicken thighs, start by removing the fattier parts 1, place the thighs in a bowl and coat them with olive oil 2 to help the breading stick better. Now focus on the breading: chop the rosemary and thyme 3

and place the chopped herbs in a wide bowl, add the sweet paprika, yellow mustard powder 4, lemon zest 5, and orange zest 6.

Add the yellow cornmeal 7, garlic powder 8, salt 9, pepper, and mix to blend the breading.

Take the chicken thighs and make lengthwise cuts 10 to better absorb the flavors. Coat the thighs in the breading, making sure it sticks on all sides 11, then place the thighs on a tray 12.

Heat a skillet over the stove and then place the chicken thighs in it 13, drizzle with a little oil, and cook over moderate heat for 20 minutes with the lid on, turning them halfway through cooking 14. Your crispy chicken thighs are ready, enjoy them hot 15!

Storage

They can be stored in the fridge for up to two days when covered, but freezing is discouraged as they will lose their crispiness.

Advice

The breading can be enriched with the herbs and flavors you prefer: hot paprika, chili pepper, parsley, or even cumin for those who love exotic flavors!

For the translation of some texts, artificial intelligence tools may have been used.