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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

Ingredient check list

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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