Crispy Chicken Thighs with Tahini Yogurt and Harissa Brussel Sprouts
Chef Fiore Tedesco shares a recipe that transforms chicken thighs into a dynamic meal.
40 Minutes
2 Servings
Medium
chicken | harissa | Brussels sprouts
If you find yourself tiring on the same chicken dishes, look no further. Chef Fiore Tedesco of
L’Oca d’Oro
in Austin, TX provides us with a recipe that is spicy, crunchy and all around dynamic. Best of all, it comes together in under an hour, so you can still enjoy a weeknight meal of chicken thighs, enhanced by Middle Eastern Flavors. This is the perfect use for your largest
Carbon Steel Frying Pan
, as it will fit both thighs at once, while allowing them enough space to get thoroughly crispy.
Note: If you don’t have a meat mallet for this recipe, Chef Fiore suggests using an empty wine bottle.
Ingredients
2
boneless chicken thighs, preferably skin-on
Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
1
cup plain Greek yogurt
¼
cup tahini
Fresh lemon juice (optional)
3
tablespoons neutral oil, such as grapeseed or canola
2
tablespoons unsalted butter
3
thyme sprigs
3
garlic cloves, peeled
2
sprigs fresh curry leaves (optional)
1
pound Brussels sprouts, stems trimmed, halved
¼
cup harissa paste (or chili crisp or sriracha in a pinch)
3
tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Instructions
STEP 1
Lay two 24-inch long pieces of plastic wrap on a work surface.
STEP 2
Working with one piece/sheet at a time, place one thigh in between the plastic and pound with a mallet until ½” thick. Season both thighs generously with salt and black pepper.
STEP 3
Combine yogurt and tahini in a
small bowl
and mix together. Add a little lemon juice or water to thin, if desired. Season with salt to taste and set aside.
STEP 4
Place
Carbon Steel Frying Pan
over medium-high heat and add neutral oil. Once oil starts to shimmer, add pounded chicken thighs, skin side down.
STEP 5
Reduce heat to medium and cook chicken until skin side is crisp and golden, 6-8 minutes. Flip and cook until cooked through, 6-8 minutes more.
STEP 6
Once the chicken is cooked, add butter, thyme, and garlic cloves to the pan. The butter will start to foam.
STEP 7
Grip the handle of the pan with a pot holder or dry kitchen towel and tilt it slightly towards you, allowing the butter mixture to pool in one area. With a
Wooden Spoon
in the other hand, ladle butter mixture away from you and over the chicken, about 20 times per piece, working as quickly as you can.
STEP 8
Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest on a cooling rack set over a
Sheet Pan
or cutting board.
STEP 9
If using curry leaves, add to the pan and cook for 5 seconds. They will make loud crackling noises and crisp up immediately. Remove and let drain on a paper towel.
STEP 10
Add Brussels sprouts cut side down to the hot pan and sear over medium-high for 2 minutes.
STEP 11
Season the sprouts with salt and pepper, give the pan a shake, and cook for another 5 minutes.
STEP 12
Reduce heat to low, add harissa and vinegar, and stir to coat. Continue to cook until softened and saucy, 3-4 minutes more. Taste and adjust seasoning.
STEP 13
Spoon some of the tahini yogurt onto each plate and divide the sprouts among the plates. Top with the crispy chicken and garnish with crumbled fried curry leaves.
