Homemade Red Beans & Rice with Baked Chicken Thighs

Here’s a recipe for Homemade Red Beans & Rice with Baked Chicken Thighs:

Red Beans & Rice

Ingredients:

• 1 pound dried red beans
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 ham hock (optional)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 4 cups water
• 2 cups long-grain white rice
• 4 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beans: Rinse the beans and soak them in water overnight. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Cook the Beans: Add the sausage, ham hock (if using), bay leaves, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir to combine. Add the drained beans, chicken broth, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 2-2.5 hours, or until the beans are tender.
4. Prepare the Rice: About 30 minutes before the beans are done, cook the rice according to package instructions.
5. Finish the Dish: Remove the ham hock and bay leaves from the pot. Use the back of a spoon to mash some of the beans against the side of the pot to thicken the mixture. Adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve: Spoon the beans over a bed of rice and garnish with green onions and fresh parsley.

Baked Chicken Thighs

Ingredients:

• 8 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Rub the chicken thighs with olive oil and then season them evenly with the spice mixture.
3. Bake: Place the chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
4. Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Assembly:

Serve the red beans and rice on a plate, and place a baked chicken thigh on top or alongside. Enjoy your homemade Southern-inspired meal!