Mexican Flavored Chicken Thighs By Mark Bittman Recipes

VERSATILE MEXICAN CHICKEN THIGHS

Steps:

• Mix the garlic, cumin, oregano, salt and pepper on a wide plate or baking dish. Put chicken thighs on top, then turn them over to coat with the seasoning mix.
• Put the olive oil in a wide skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs and cook 7-8 minutes. Turn the thighs over and cook 7-8 minutes longer or until thighs are cooked through.

CHICKEN WITH VINEGAR (MARK BITTMAN)

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 450. Set large skillet (with steep sides to minimize spattering) over med-high heat. Add 2 T. oil and wait a minute. When it is good and hot, place chicken in skillet, skin side down. Cook undisturbed for about 5 minute or until nicely browned. (For breasts, it was only 4 minutes.) Turn and cook for 3 minutes on the other side. Season with salt and pepper if desired.
• Place chicken in oven. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes or untl just about done (juices run clear and there will be the barest trace of pink near bone). Transfer chicken to an ovenproof platter. Place in oven. Turn off oven and leave door slightly ajar.
• Pour off most of the cooking juices from skillet. Place over med-high heat. Add scallions. Cook, stirring, until tender about 2 minutes. Add vinegar. Raise heat to high. Cook for 1 or 2 minutes until the powerful smell has subsided somewhat. Add 1/2 cup water. Cook another 2 minutes, stirring until it's slightly reduced and somewhat thickened.
• Return chicken and any accumulated juices to skillet. Turn chicken in sauce. Serve immediately.
• Paul Bocuse Poulet au Vinaigre: In step 1, brown chicken in 1 stick butter. In step 3 add 3 T. butter to reduced vinegar sauce, stirring until it thickens.

MEXICAN-FLAVORED CHICKEN THIGHS BY MARK BITTMAN

Steps:

• Preheat a gas grill, start a wood or charcoal fire or preheat a broiler; the fire should be moderately hot, and the rack should be about 4 inches from the heat source. 2. Combine the garlic, onion, oregano, cumin, cayenne, cloves, salt, pepper and oil in a blender or small food processor, and blend until fairly smooth. Add the juices, taste and adjust seasoning; the flavors should be powerful. 3. Smear sauce over chicken; if time allows, marinate 30 minutes or so. Grill 6 to 8 minutes a side, or until meat is nicely browned and cooked medium or better on the inside. (Thighs with bones will take longer, about 20 minutes total.) Serve, garnished with the cilantro.