Easy Loaf Pan Chicken

Ingredients

• 2.5 lb boneless chicken thighs (excess fat trimmed if preferred)
• 1 yellow onion (medium, processed in a food processor)
• 1 lemon juice (juice of 1 large lemon)
• 3 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp plain or greek yogurt
• salt (3-4 pinches)
• fresh cracked pepper (to taste)
• 1.5 tbsp thyme
• 1.5 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp urfa pepper (or Aleppo pepper or any other chili flakes)

Steps

1. 1

   Add 2.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs to a large bowl. You may trim off the excess fat if you prefer.

2. 2

   Process 1 medium yellow onion in a food processor until finely minced or pureed. Add it to the chicken to help tenderize the meat.

3. 3

   Add the juice of 1 large lemon, 3 tbsp tomato paste, and 2 tbsp plain or greek yogurt to the bowl.

4. 4

   Add the spices: 3-4 pinches of salt, fresh cracked pepper to taste, 1.5 tbsp thyme, 1.5 tbsp garlic powder, and 1 tbsp urfa pepper (or Aleppo pepper/chili flakes).

5. 5

   Mix everything really well to ensure the chicken is thoroughly coated. Ideally, let this marinate in the refrigerator for 2-6 hours, or even better, overnight. You can also cook it immediately if needed.

6. 6

   When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

7. 7

   Remove the chicken from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.

8. 8

   Pack the marinated chicken tightly into a loaf pan (standard size approximately 8.5 x 4.5 x 2.5 inches).

9. 9

   Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 50 minutes.

10. 10

    Remove the chicken from the oven. Gently tilt the pan into a glass jar to drain the excess juices. Pour some of the juices back over the chicken, then repeat. Set the remaining juices aside for use in soups or sauces.

11. 11

    Flip the loaf pan onto a cutting board and slice the chicken into thin strips or slices.

12. 12

    Serve as desired, such as in a bowl with rice or salad.

Notes

The onion in the marinade acts as a natural tenderizer. For best results, use a standard 8.5 x 4.5 inch loaf pan to ensure the chicken is packed tightly enough to hold its shape. The reserved juices are highly flavorful and can be used as a base for soups.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• chicken
• low-carb
• keto
• meal-prep
• baked
• high-protein
• healthy