
Smoky Paprika Chicken Thighs with Herbed Cauliflower Rice and Crunchy Pepitas
An original recipe of golden chicken thighs seasoned with gentle spices, served over sautéed cauliflower rice with spinach, herbs, and lemon, then finished with toasted pepitas for crunchy contrast. Designed for the diabetic-friendly category, with simple ingredients and bold flavor.
Important notice: This recipe is not medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional.
Ingredients
- 600 g boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut en trozos large)
- 500 g riced cauliflower (fresh or descongelada and escurrida)
- 120 g fresh spinach (chopped gruesa)
- 40 g pumpkin seeds (unsalted)
- 120 g plain Greek yogurt (for servir)
- 30 ml olive oil (divided)
- 30 ml lemon juice (freshly squeezed, divided)
- 3 cloves garlic (2 chopped and 1 grated)
- 6 g smoked paprika
- 2 g ground cumin
- 1 g dried oregano
- 1 g black pepper
- 5 g salt (divided or to taste)
- 80 g red onion (chopped fina)
- 15 g fresh parsley (chopped)
- 8 g fresh dill (chopped)
Nutrition facts
per serving
Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
Allergens
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 220 °C / 425 °F. In a bowl, combine the chicken with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, the grated garlic clove, smoked paprika, cumin, dried oregano, half of the salt, and black pepper.
- 2
Arrange the chicken on a baking tray or baking dish in a single layer. Roast at 220 °C / 425 °F for 20 to 25 minutes, until fully cooked and browned at the edges.
- 3
While the chicken roasts, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pumpkin seeds and toast for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often, until crunchy and slightly puffed. Remove and set aside.
- 4
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the red onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in the 2 chopped garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds more.
- 5
Add the riced cauliflower to the skillet along with the remaining salt. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring, until tender but not watery.
- 6
Stir in the fresh spinach, parsley, dill, and the remaining tablespoon of lemon juice. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, just until the spinach wilts. Taste and adjust salt if desired.
- 7
Divide the green cauliflower rice among 4 plates. Top with the smoky paprika chicken, add a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt to each serving, and finish with the toasted pumpkin seeds. Serve immediately.
Chef tips
For deeper flavor, let the chicken marinate with the spices and lemon for 15 to 30 minutes before roasting. If using frozen cauliflower rice, dry it well so the sauté stays fluffy.
Substitutions
You can replace the chicken thighs with diced chicken breast, adjusting the cooking time so it does not dry out. Dill can be swapped for mint or extra parsley. If you prefer no yogurt, serve with extra lemon juice instead.
What I used to make it
Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.
Illustrative imageCosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer
Browning and baking with little oil
- Browns food with very little oil
- Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
- Check the basket capacity
Illustrative imageTempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer
Checking doneness of meat and chicken
- Checks doneness of meat and chicken
- Quick reading
- Clean the probe after each use
Illustrative imageT-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan
Eggs, omelets and stir-fries
- Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
- Comfortable, sturdy handle
- Use wooden or silicone utensils
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