CRISPY OVEN-ROASTED CHICKEN THIGHS


Last January, I had the great pleasure of shooting Nathalie Fraise's wonderful new cookbook, The Whole Coconut (Ten Speed Press) which explores cooking with coconut in all its glory. Nathalie's book just hit the shelves and I couldn't be prouder to have been a part of its creation. You need this gem of a book in your kitchen!


Nathalie's technique for roasting chicken thighs was a revelation for me - the skin is perfectly crisp and the coconut oil adds a lovely hint of flavor. I now find myself making Nathalie's chicken thighs at least once a week - they're that good! Nathalie serves the chicken thighs with zucchini spaghetti, but don't fret that zucchini isn't in season this time of year... really the thighs are great with any tasty side.

INGREDIENTS - adapted from Nathalie Fraise's The Whole Coconut
  • 6 chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.

Melt coconut oil in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Lay chicken thighs skin-side up on a baking sheet and brush chicken with the melted coconut oil. Season each thigh generously with salt and pepper. Roast chicken thighs in the hot oven for 40-45 minutes until the meat is cooked through and the skin in wonderfully crispy. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

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Shooting Nathalie's book was one of those perfect projects where everything goes beautifully, and deliciously! Nathalie's recipes are simple, flavorful, and naturally gluten-free (!) and she's a sweetheart to boot. Working with Ashley Lima and Kelly Snowden from Ten Speed and my buddy and amazing food stylist Lillian Kang was dreamy - such a wonderful collaboration.

Here are a few more shots from Nathalie's book to whet your appetite...






42 comments:

  1. Oh, Erin, thank you so much for this wonderful review. It was SUCH a pleasure to work with you and see your gorgeous photos make my recipes come to life. What a beautiful collaboration, I enjoyed every minute. Thank you, thank you. Sending you hugs!

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    1. Nathalie, You should be SO proud!
      you are such a sweetie and your kindness comes through in your cooking. I keep raving about your book to friends - your recipes are fantastic - so the way I like to cook and eat.
      It was an honor and pleasure to collaborate with you.
      Let's grab coffee or maybe a dosa soon.
      xoxoxo
      E

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    2. Yes! I would love to see you and catch up! I am local now, and things are calmer, so I will text you and we can figure out a good time. Can't wait! XOXO

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    3. Perfect! Let's make a date:) xoxo

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  2. An interesting book! I love cooking with coconut.

    Cheers,

    Rosa

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    1. Me too Rosa! I love cooking with coconut.
      Hope you're well, my friend.
      xoxo
      E

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  3. I will put this recipe on my must-try list! Beautiful photos as always.

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    1. Dulcie! So nice to hear from you. Hope you're well!
      You'll love the chicken. Brilliant!
      Xoxo

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  4. Again BEAUTIFUL pictures Erin, they look scrumptious. I do cook with a lot of coconut oil. I will look for this book.

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    1. Oli, so sweet to hear from you! I hope all is well in your world.
      It's such a great book and all naturally GF. I think you'd love it!
      xoxo
      E

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  5. Oh what a great idea using coconut oil to cook chicken, I have to try it, Erin. Thanks for the suggestion and that book looks amazing! Your photographs are stunning. xoxo

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  6. Magda! You've got to try it... the skin gets magically crispy!

    And thanks for the kind words about the photos - I couldn't be happier about the way the book came together. I worked with a dream team who made my job easy:)

    xoxo to you!
    E

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  7. The chicken looks so crispy! I can't wait to try this simple yet delicious looking recipe...I can see why you make it weekly!

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    1. OMG it's so good. I can't wait for you to try it:)
      xo
      E

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  8. I use coconut oil for just about everything, but I have yet to roast chicken with it....buy why not?! Looks great!

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    1. Kate, I know! I'm a huge fan of coconut oil but never thought to use it on chicken. Give it a go and let me know what you think.
      xo
      E

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  9. Has anyone else had trouble trying to pin this on Pinterest? I keep getting an error message that they are blocking the pin because it looks like spam. But to me it looks like delicious chicken!

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    1. Neferet, so weird. I just gave it a try too and Pinterest blocked it:((

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    2. I put in a ticket to Pinterest and finally got a response that they made a mistake. So now we can pin again! Yay!

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    3. Ah thanks so much Neferet! I reached out to Pinterest too and they didn't respond to me. I'm so grateful for your help!
      xo

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  10. Hi Erin! This recipe looks great! Love the book too! xx

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  11. Those shots from the cookbook are gorgeous - so vibrant! I'm a very boring cook when it comes to chicken, but these sound so easy. My husband would be pretty happy to see this I'm sure :) I've missed your posts Erin, so happy to see you back! xo

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    1. Ah Christine thanks for your sweet note! I hope you (and your husband) enjoy the chicken!
      xo
      E

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  12. WOW - these look amazing - a must try! Hope you are doing well. Always love your posts and photos. Stay dry and safe this week during these storms.

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  13. Hey Erin,

    Such a lovely pictures.
    Good book, as I love to cook in coconut oil.

    Thank you for this article.

    Shantanu sinha

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  14. Good post! Coconut oil is great when cooking. My children like these dishes from coconut oil. Please! Share with me your new posts!Thanks!

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  15. Beautiful photos indeed..Just as the title says crispy and tender!Love this recipe xD

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  16. Chicken looks so crispy. I must try this !!

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  17. Hi Erin,
    Gorgeous shots! What's the veggie you shot with the chicken? I want to make both for dinner tonight! Xox Shawn ps let's have coffee soon.

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  18. Thanks Shawn! It's zucchini pasta with the chicken and both are super delish.
    I'd love to meet up for coffee soon. It has been way too long since I've seen you. xoxo

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  19. Chicken is my favourite meat so I will be definitely trying this recipe.

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  20. we made these last night, they tasted just perfect. Thanks for sharing.

    Simon

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  21. I love the recipe..I cant wait to try thanks for sharing

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  22. Woow looks so delicious really sounds so good thanks for sharing

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  23. This one borders on fantasy.
    I'll try it

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  24. Where can I get the cook book in Kenya? All over sudden am feeling hungry!!

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  25. Wow the pictures look amazing. Will be trying the recipe soon!

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  26. Can't wait to try the chicken thigh recipe! Will it work well with skinless thighs?

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    1. Hi there, it's such a tasty recipe but I don't think it would be the same without the skins on - the crispy skins are the main event!

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  27. wow this recipe is really good thanks for sharing

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So good to hear from you... I appreciate each and every note you leave for me!

Thanks,
E