Savory Spiced Chicken with Zhug Sauce: A Flavorful Twist

Ingredients

• ¾ of a cup of zhug sauce, split into portions
• A single boneless chicken breast
• Two chicken legs, with bones and skin intact
• Two bone-in chicken thighs with their skin
• A pair of whole artichokes
• Half a lemon, freshly squeezed
• Half a cup of drained pitted Kalamata olives
• Half a cup of marinated sun-dried tomatoes, thoroughly drained

Step 1

Spread a generous amount of flavorful zhug sauce onto each chicken piece, ensuring that it is evenly coated. Let the chicken marinate in the fridge for a minimum of 1 hour to absorb all the delicious flavors. Before cooking, remember to take the chicken out of the fridge around 30 minutes in advance to bring it to room temperature.

Step 2

Prepare the artichokes by removing the tough outer leaves to reveal the tender hearts. Cut the artichokes into quarters, then place them in a bowl of water mixed with lemon juice. Gently mix the artichokes to ensure they are well coated and set the bowl aside for later.

Step 3

Preheat your oven to a toasty 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) to get it ready for the flavorful dish that's coming up.

Step 4

In a deep baking dish, arrange the marinated chicken pieces. Drain the artichokes and nestle them around the chicken, making sure to press them down slightly to prevent them from drying out. Add a handful of olives and sun-dried tomatoes on top for an extra burst of flavor.

Step 5

Pop the dish into the oven, leaving it uncovered to cook. After about 45 minutes, check to see if the chicken is fully cooked by ensuring that it is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear. To be certain, use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Enjoy your flavorful and perfectly cooked meal!