Cava Chicken Recipe: A Flavorful Mediterranean Delight
Cava, a sparkling Spanish wine, adds a unique zest to this otherwise simple chicken recipe. This Cava Chicken recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, offering a sophisticated yet easy-to-make meal. Its bright, citrusy notes pair beautifully with the tender chicken, making it a crowd-pleaser. Let's dive into this delicious recipe!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe is designed to serve four, but it's easily scalable.
- 1.5 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: These stay juicy and flavorful even with longer cooking times.
- 1 cup Cava: Choose a brut or extra brut Cava for its dry, crisp taste.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds depth and moisture.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: For richness and flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: A classic aromatic.
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced: Brightens the dish with citrusy freshness.
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped: Earthy and fragrant.
- 1 tsp salt: Adjust to your preference.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Freshly ground is best.
- 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved: Adds a salty, briny element.
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron is ideal), heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and rosemary, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Sear the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side down. Sear for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip and sear for another 3-4 minutes.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the Cava and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds incredible flavor. Let it simmer for a minute or two until the alcohol cooks off slightly.
- Simmer in the Oven: Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Add the lemon zest and olives. Bring to a simmer on the stovetop, then transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C).
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear when pierced with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy this flavorful Cava Chicken with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables or crusty bread.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Marinate the chicken in the Cava, lemon juice, garlic, and rosemary for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Different herbs: Experiment with other herbs like thyme or oregano.
- Other olives: Feel free to substitute Kalamata olives with your favorite type of olive.
Why This Recipe is Great:
This Cava Chicken recipe offers a delicious and easy way to elevate your weeknight dinner. The Cava adds a sophisticated touch, while the simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make it perfect for busy cooks. The combination of flavors is truly delightful, making it a recipe you'll want to make again and again.
Keywords: Cava Chicken, Cava Recipe, Chicken Recipe, Mediterranean Recipe, Easy Chicken Recipe, Weeknight Dinner, Spanish Wine Recipe, Oven-Baked Chicken
This blog post is optimized for search engines by using relevant keywords throughout the text, including in the title, headings, and body. The use of subheadings improves readability and organization. The inclusion of tips and variations adds value and encourages readers to interact with the content. The use of strong calls to action (Serve and Enjoy) encourages engagement. Remember to promote this blog post on social media and other platforms to further improve its visibility.
