Baked Chicken Thighs with Mashed Potatoes and Steamed Broccoli

Ingredients

• skinless chicken thighs 150 g
• potatoes 1 medium
• steamed broccoli 1 cup
• butter 1 tbsp
• olive oil 1 tbsp

Method

1. Prepare the oven and chicken. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the skinless chicken thighs dry with paper towels to help them brown. Rub the chicken thighs with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then season with salt and pepper if desired.
   Tip: Drying the chicken helps achieve a better texture when baked.
2. Bake the chicken thighs. Place the chicken thighs on a baking sheet or oven-safe dish in a single layer. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear.
   Tip: Use a meat thermometer to check doneness for safety and juiciness.
3. Prepare potatoes for mashing. While the chicken bakes, peel the potato and cut it into evenly sized chunks to ensure even cooking. Place the potato chunks in a pot and cover with cold water.
   Tip: Starting with cold water helps potatoes cook evenly.
4. Cook potatoes. Bring the pot of water with potatoes to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
   Tip: Don’t overcook to avoid waterlogged potatoes.
5. Steam the broccoli. While potatoes cook, prepare your broccoli. Place 1 cup of broccoli florets in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for about 5-7 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
   Tip: Avoid over-steaming to keep broccoli vibrant and nutritious.
6. Mash the potatoes. Drain the cooked potatoes well and return them to the pot. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste if desired.
   Tip: Warm the butter slightly before adding for easier mixing.
7. Serve the meal. Plate the baked chicken thighs alongside a generous serving of mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli. Enjoy your balanced and nutritious meal!
   Tip: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley if available for extra flavor.

Pro tips

• Patting chicken dry before baking helps it brown better.
• Cut potatoes into similar sizes for even cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is safely cooked.