Ingredients
For the chicken and veggies:
- 2 pounds bone-in chicken thighs (4 large bone-in chicken thighs)
- 3 large carrots, cut in half lengthwise and then cut into 2 inch segments/chunks
- 1 medium to large sweet potato, cut into ½-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the quinoa:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups filtered water or chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
For serving:
- 4 cups baby arugula
- 2 to 3 cups finely shredded red cabbage
- Lemon zest
- Spicy Green Feta Sauce, for drizzling (optional)
- 3 tablespoons hot honey (such as Mike’s Hot Honey), for drizzling
- 1 to 2 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- Fresh chopped parsley and cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Season chicken and veggies: In a large bowl, combine the chicken thighs, carrot chunks, and cubed sweet potato. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Sprinkle evenly with sweet paprika, garlic powder, dried thyme, chili powder, kosher salt, and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper. Toss everything together with your hands to ensure the chicken and vegetables are fully coated in the spice mixture.
- Arrange on baking sheet: Place the seasoned chicken and veggies onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, making sure that the chicken pieces do not touch the vegetables and the chicken skin is facing up. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking and crisp skin.
- Bake the chicken and veggies: Roast in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Stir the vegetables halfway through cooking to promote even roasting. Verify that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it is fully cooked. For extra crispy skin, place the chicken under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes at the end of baking—watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Cook the quinoa: While the chicken and vegetables roast, rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove bitterness. Combine quinoa, filtered water (or chicken broth), and kosher salt in a medium saucepan. Bring it to a boil over high heat, then cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes until the quinoa is tender and the water is absorbed. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and keep covered for 5 to 10 minutes to steam and stay warm.
- Assemble the bowls: In shallow serving bowls, add about half a heaping cup of the cooked quinoa to one side. Add roughly 1 cup of baby arugula and ½ cup finely shredded red cabbage to the other side. If desired, drizzle the greens with some spicy green feta sauce for extra flavor.
- Plate the chicken and veggies: Top the quinoa with one chicken thigh and a quarter of the roasted vegetables. Drizzle each piece of chicken with about 2 teaspoons of hot honey for a spicy-sweet glaze. Garnish with 1 to 2 tablespoons of crumbled feta cheese, a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest, and a scattering of chopped parsley and cilantro.
- Serve: Offer extra spicy green feta sauce on the side for dipping or additional drizzling. Enjoy each bite with all components mixed for a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Notes
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs provide the best flavor and crispiness; however, boneless thighs can be substituted, adjusting cooking time as needed.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet to ensure the chicken skin crisps well.
- Rinsing the quinoa before cooking improves its texture and reduces bitterness.
- The spicy green feta sauce adds a nice tangy and creamy element but is optional.
- Broiling at the end is optional for extra crispy chicken skin—watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Leftover chicken and veggies can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal