
Crispy Chicken with Creamy Lemon Tahini Sauce, Spiced Cauliflower and Sautéed Spinach
An original low-carb recipe featuring golden, crispy chicken thighs served with gently spiced roasted cauliflower and sautéed spinach. The creamy lemon tahini sauce adds a nutty, bright finish without relying on flour.
Important notice: This recipe is not medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional.
Ingredients
- 700 g boneless skinless chicken thighs (secados with papel of cocina)
- 500 g cauliflower in small florets (cut en pieces uniformes)
- 180 g fresh spinach (lavada and dry)
- 60 ml tahini (for the sauce)
- 80 g plain Greek yogurt (whole or semidescremado)
- 1 unit lemon (3 tbsp de jugo, dividido)
- 4 cloves garlic (2 grated, 2 thinly sliced)
- 45 ml olive oil (divided)
- 4 g ground cumin (divided)
- 4 g smoked paprika (divided)
- 2 g dried oregano (for the chicken and the coliflor)
- 1 g red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8 g salt (or to taste, divided)
- 2 g black pepper (freshly ground, divided)
- 30 ml water (for ajustar the sauce)
- 10 g chopped fresh parsley (for terminar)
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. Line a baking tray with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- 2
In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower with 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil, half of the cumin, half of the smoked paprika, the dried oregano, 3 g (about 1/2 tsp) salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Spread it in a single layer on the tray.
- 3
Roast the cauliflower for 22 to 25 minutes at 220 °C / 425 °F, stirring halfway through, until tender and browned on the edges.
- 4
Meanwhile, pat the chicken thighs dry and mix them with 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil, the remaining cumin, the remaining smoked paprika, the lemon zest, 15 ml (1 tbsp) lemon juice, 2 grated garlic cloves, 3 g (about 1/2 tsp) salt, and the remaining black pepper.
- 5
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Add the remaining 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil and place the chicken in a single layer. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes on the first side and 4 to 5 minutes on the second side, until deeply golden and the internal temperature reaches a safe 74 °C / 165 °F. Remove and let rest for 3 minutes.
- 6
In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, Greek yogurt, the remaining 30 ml (2 tbsp) lemon juice, water, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. Add a few extra drops of water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- 7
In the same skillet, reduce to medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 30 seconds. Add the spinach and a pinch of salt. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until wilted but still vibrant.
- 8
Serve a bed of sautéed spinach with the roasted cauliflower on the side. Top or plate alongside the golden chicken, spoon over the creamy lemon tahini sauce, and finish with the chopped fresh parsley.
Chef tips
For crispier chicken, do not move the pieces during the first few minutes of cooking. Roast the cauliflower in a single layer so it browns instead of steaming.
Substitutions
You can swap the chicken thighs for chicken breast, adjusting the cooking time so it does not dry out. The Greek yogurt can be replaced with lactose-free plain yogurt or a thick plant-based alternative if you want to avoid dairy. Parsley can be replaced with fresh cilantro.
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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