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Roasted Chicken Thighs with Asparagus, Arugula, and Walnut Salad

By Jessica Rudolph

Published on February 22, 2023

Time

50 Minutes

Yield

Serves 4

Roasted Chicken Thighs with Asparagus, Arugula, and Walnut Salad

Ingredients

8 (5- to 7-ounce) bone-in chicken thighs, trimmed3½ teaspoons kosher salt, divided1¼ teaspoons pepper, divided1 tablespoon grated lemon zest plus 3 tablespoons juice¾ cup walnuts, toasted and chopped, divided3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 small shallot, chopped1 tablespoon water 1 teaspoon honey 1 pound thick asparagus, trimmed and sliced thin on long bias5 ounces (5 cups) baby arugula

Before You Begin

For easier slicing, select large asparagus spears, about ½ inch thick.

Instructions

  1. Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 450 degrees. Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Sprinkle skin side of chicken with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper. Place chicken skin side down in 12-inch nonstick skillet and sprinkle flesh side with 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, and lemon zest.
  2. Cook chicken over medium-high heat until skin is golden brown, about 10 minutes. Flip chicken and continue to cook 3 minutes longer. Transfer chicken skin side up to rimmed baking sheet and roast until chicken registers 175 degrees, about 15 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, process lemon juice, ½ cup walnuts, oil, shallot, water, honey, and remaining 1½ teaspoons salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper in food processor until mostly smooth, about 30 seconds. Transfer to large bowl. Add asparagus, arugula, and remaining ¼ cup walnuts and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve.
Roasted Chicken Thighs with Asparagus, Arugula, and Walnut Salad
Photography by Steve Klise. Styling by Elle Simone Scott.

Roasted Chicken Thighs with Asparagus, Arugula, and Walnut Salad

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Time

50 Minutes

Yield

Serves 4

Ingredients

8 (5- to 7-ounce) bone-in chicken thighs, trimmed
3½ teaspoons kosher salt, divided
1¼ teaspoons pepper, divided
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest plus 3 tablespoons juice
¾ cup walnuts, toasted and chopped, divided
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 small shallot, chopped
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon honey
1 pound thick asparagus, trimmed and sliced thin on long bias
5 ounces (5 cups) baby arugula

Ingredients

8 (5- to 7-ounce) bone-in chicken thighs, trimmed
3½ teaspoons kosher salt, divided
1¼ teaspoons pepper, divided
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest plus 3 tablespoons juice
¾ cup walnuts, toasted and chopped, divided
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 small shallot, chopped
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon honey
1 pound thick asparagus, trimmed and sliced thin on long bias
5 ounces (5 cups) baby arugula

Ingredients

8 (5- to 7-ounce) bone-in chicken thighs, trimmed
3½ teaspoons kosher salt, divided
1¼ teaspoons pepper, divided
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest plus 3 tablespoons juice
¾ cup walnuts, toasted and chopped, divided
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 small shallot, chopped
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon honey
1 pound thick asparagus, trimmed and sliced thin on long bias
5 ounces (5 cups) baby arugula

Why This Recipe Works

Blended walnuts made a deliciously creamy, nutty vinaigrette.

Before You Begin

For easier slicing, select large asparagus spears, about ½ inch thick.

Instructions

  1. Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 450 degrees. Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Sprinkle skin side of chicken with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper. Place chicken skin side down in 12-inch nonstick skillet and sprinkle flesh side with 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, and lemon zest.
  2. Cook chicken over medium-high heat until skin is golden brown, about 10 minutes. Flip chicken and continue to cook 3 minutes longer. Transfer chicken skin side up to rimmed baking sheet and roast until chicken registers 175 degrees, about 15 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, process lemon juice, ½ cup walnuts, oil, shallot, water, honey, and remaining 1½ teaspoons salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper in food processor until mostly smooth, about 30 seconds. Transfer to large bowl. Add asparagus, arugula, and remaining ¼ cup walnuts and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve.

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