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Jerusalem Herb Chicken Thighs is my go-to for an easy, healthy, flavorful chicken dinner! It’s easy to season, cook stovetop and garnish with fresh herbs!
Table of Contents
- Complete Nativity Dinner Menu:
- How to Make Jerusalem Herb Chicken Thighs
- What Type of Chicken Should I Use?
- Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Chicken Thighs?
- Are Chicken Thighs Healthier Than Breasts?
- Is Chicken Lean Meat?
- How Long Will Raw Chicken Keep?
- Can Chicken Be Reheated?
- Can You Cook Chicken From Frozen?
- More Healthy Chicken Dinner Ideas:
- Watch How It’s Made…
- Herb Topped Chicken Recipe
Last Christmas I did a Nativity dinner for my family with traditional Jerusalem recipes and this Jerusalem Herbs Chicken Thighs is now part of our dinner rotation. We also make unleavened bread, homemade hummus and Jerusalem wild rice to go with it!
It’s a healthy chicken recipe for dinner and the spices make it oh so flavorful. But best of all, you can totally use leftovers to make the yummiest soups and casseroles. And it was all inspired by the place that Christ lived and taught.
Complete Nativity Dinner Menu:
- Hummus
- Wild Rice
- Unleavened Bread or Naan
- Pear Salad
- Creamy Garlic Brussel Sprouts
- Chewy Gingerbread Man Cookies
How to Make Jerusalem Herb Chicken Thighs
The first step in making this healthy meal is to make sure you have all the ingredients. Here is what you need:
- Chicken Thighs (bone-in with skin)
- Salt
- Pepper
- Cardamom
- Cloves
- Chicken Broth
- Fresh Cilantro
- Fresh Dill
The next step is to combine all the spices and then toss the chicken thighs in the spices. Heat a skillet with the oil in it over medium heat and brown the chicken skin side down for about 4-5 minutes. You want the skin to be golden brown. Then flip the thighs over and brown the other side for another 4-5 minutes.
Turn down the heat to medium low and add the chicken broth. Place a lid on the skillet and let it simmer for 30 minutes. Remove the skillet from the high and let it rest for 10 minutes. Place the thighs on a platter and top with the fresh herbs. Eat up!
What Type of Chicken Should I Use?
We love chicken thighs for this dish, and actually for most of our chicken dishes. Chicken thighs have so much flavor and are so tender. We also prefer bone-in thighs with the skin still on them. The skin gets all crispy and delicious and have the bone in just enhances the flavor!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Chicken Thighs?
You can definitely use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this dish. Brown them first just like we do with the thighs. Chicken breasts will need less time to cook because they have a lower fat content. Start with 20 minutes and check the internal temperature. You want an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Are Chicken Thighs Healthier Than Breasts?
The answer to this question depends on your definition of “healthier”. Both are great sources of lean protein. Chicken thighs are higher in calories and saturated fat (hello delicious flavor!), but they are about equal with breasts for number of calories. Chicken thighs are also much cheaper.
Is Chicken Lean Meat?
White chicken meat is leaner than dark meat, but dark meat is also quite lean if you don’t eat the skin.
How Long Will Raw Chicken Keep?
According to the USDA, raw chicken should not be kept in the refrigerator for longer than 1-2 days.
Can Chicken Be Reheated?
Chicken can be reheated, but it is recommended to only reheat chicken once. It can be reheated in the microwave, on the stovetop or grill, or in the oven.
Can You Cook Chicken From Frozen?
Yes, chicken can be cooked from frozen, but a couple of rules need to be followed. First, the chicken will need to cook for at least twice as long as the recipe says. So for this recipe, the thighs will need to cook for at least an hour.
Second, the chicken needs to be individual portions. It can be all frozen in a lump. Those two rules being said, we don’t recommend cooking chicken from frozen for this recipe. The spices won’t stick at well, and it will be nearly impossible to get that golden brown sear that you want on the outside of the thighs.
Whether you are cooking for your own Nativity dinner, or you are just looking for a healthy chicken dinner, these Jerusalem herb chicken thighs need to be on your dinner table! The flavor is bold and unique and those thighs are so tender and juicy!
More Healthy Chicken Dinner Ideas:
- Smoked Chicken Breast
- Honey Lemon Basil Grilled Chicken
- Chicken Fajitas
- Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken with Lemon Rice
- Roasted Chicken
- Balsamic Caprese Chicken
Watch How It’s Made…
Herb Topped Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 Pounds Chicken Thighs, Bone-in with skin or boneless, skinless which is what I usually use.
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
- 2 teaspoons Cardamom, ground
- 1/2 teaspoon Cloves, ground
- 2/3 Cup Chicken Broth
- 1/3 Cup Buttermilk
- 1/4 Cup Cilantro Leaves
- 1/4 Cup Dill Leaves
Instructions
- Toss the chicken with all of the spices.2 Pounds Chicken Thighs, Salt and Pepper, 2 teaspoons Cardamom, 1/2 teaspoon Cloves
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium high heat and cook the chicken, skin side down until browned and then turn over and brown on the other side.
- Reduce the heat and add the chicken broth and buttermilk. Add a lid.2/3 Cup Chicken Broth, 1/3 Cup Buttermilk
- Cook over medium low heat for 30 minutes or until cooked through. Remove from the heat to rest for 10 minutes with the lid on.
- Remove to a platter and top with herbs and any remaining juices from the pan1/4 Cup Cilantro Leaves, 1/4 Cup Dill Leaves
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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No flavor. Rather boring
Thanks for the feedback Lisa! I’m so sorry all the herbs and spices didn’t give it the flavor you were hoping for!