Chili Cumin Chicken Thighs

User Reviews

5

78 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    5 mins

  • Cook Time

    20 mins

  • Total Time

    25 mins

  • Servings

    4

  • Calories

    264 kcal

  • Course

    Main Course

  • Cuisine

    Chinese

Chili Cumin Chicken Thighs

Chili Cumin Chicken Thighs feature boneless, skinless chicken thighs marinated in a mix of chili flakes, ground chili, cumin seeds, and cumin powder, then pan-seared to a golden finish. The addition of blanched green beans provides a crisp, fresh texture that balances the spicy and earthy flavors from the cumin and chili seasonings. This dish offers a hearty, flavorful protein option with a simple vegetable side, cooked efficiently in one skillet for convenient preparation.

Description

Chili Cumin Chicken Thighs combine a bold spice profile with tender chicken pieces. The thighs absorb a marinade consisting of chili flakes, ground chili, whole cumin seeds, ground cumin, and a touch of cooking oil, along with salt for seasoning. After marinating, the chicken is pan-fried until golden, locking in flavor and moisture.

The accompanying green beans are blanched briefly until slightly firm, preserving some bite and vibrant color. They finish cooking in the skillet alongside the chicken, where they sizzle gently in the cooking oil, absorbing some of the seasoned flavors.

This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the contrasting textures – tender chicken with a caramelized exterior and crisp-tender green beans. It works well as a straightforward dinner entrée that highlights the warmth of cumin and chili spices without overwhelming heat.

Using a kitchen thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is recommended. Variations with broccoli, asparagus, or snow peas can be substituted for green beans, with adjustments to blanching or cooking times accordingly.

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Ingredients

Servings

For the chicken

  • 6 chicken thighs skinless & boneless
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoon chili flakes
  • 1 teaspoon ground chili see note 1
  • 2 teaspoon cumin seeds whole
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil

For the vegetable

  • 10 oz green beans or broccoli (see note 2)
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Marinate the chicken

  1. Put chicken thighs into a large bowl. Add salt, chili flakes, ground chili, cumin seeds, cumin powder, and cooking oil. Mix well and leave to marinate.

Blanch the vegetable

  1. Bring about 4 cups (1 liter) of water to a boil. Add green beans and salt. Leave to simmer until the beans are slightly undercooked (Do not overcook). Drain well and set aside.

Sear the chicken

  1. Once the vegetable is done, heat a large skillet/frying pan, preferably with a heavy bottom, over medium heat. Place the marinated chicken in a single layer (spread the pieces as flat as possible).
  2. Pan-fry until the first side turns golden. Flip over and cook for a further 2 minutes.

Combine the dish

  1. Push the chicken to one side. Tilt the skillet a little to let the existing oil flow to the other side. Add drained green beans. Leave them to sizzle in the oil. 
  2. Once the chicken thighs are fully cooked (see note 3) and the beans start to wilt, dish out and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Ground chili powder can vary; if using a blend containing salt or other spices, reduce added salt accordingly.
  • Green beans are blanched to maintain texture; for softer vegetables like asparagus or snow peas, blanching is optional as they cook quickly in the skillet.
  • Check chicken doneness with a thermometer, aiming for an internal temperature above 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Serving 1serving Calories 264kcal (13%) Carbohydrates 6g (2%) Protein 34g (68%) Fat 11g (17%) Saturated Fat 2g (10%) Polyunsaturated Fat 4g (24%) Monounsaturated Fat 3g (15%) Trans Fat 0.1g (5%) Cholesterol 161mg (54%) Sodium 465mg (19%) Potassium 623mg (13%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 2g (4%) Vitamin A 1092IU (22%) Vitamin C 9mg (10%) Calcium 60mg (6%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 264 kcal

% Daily Value*

Serving 1serving
Calories 264kcal 13%
Carbohydrates 6g 2%
Protein 34g 68%
Fat 11g 17%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4g 24%
Monounsaturated Fat 3g 15%
Trans Fat 0.1g 5%
Cholesterol 161mg 54%
Sodium 465mg 19%
Potassium 623mg 13%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 2g 4%
Vitamin A 1092IU 22%
Vitamin C 9mg 10%
Calcium 60mg 6%
Iron 3mg 17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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5

78 reviews
Excellent

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