Nigella's Spanish Chicken

January is that month that everyone tries to "get their act together" and we all become a little more critical of ourselves. We think about what has happened over the past year and decide on what we are going to do better this new year. 

Everyone seems to love New Years because you can "start over" or something like that. I'll admit that I don't really make resolutions. At all. I think it is because I am constantly being critical of myself and putting myself through the ringer. Giving my best psychoanalysis when I feel lost in my own mind. Being more active when I am feeling flabby. Giving more compliments when I am being bitter. 

It is my own constant re-configuring throughout the year that makes me feel like it is unnecessary to make and "resolutions" because I am trying to be better a better "self" the whole year long. But even if trying to commit to resolutions is your thing I think it is a good thing to think about what things you can do to be a better you.

Maybe this year you have decided to eat out less and cook at home more. I find this to be a fantastic resolution. And if you are intimidated because you are not sure what the difference is between a saute pan and a cooking pot, don't worry. We all need to make mistakes, learn from them and be better because of those mistakes. I actually kind of pride myself on making mistakes because I am constantly learning from them and becoming better. 

If you still have anxiety over mistakes then fret no longer. This is a simple, simple dinner that you can make for your family and it is one of those "one pot" or in this case "one pan" wonders that is sure to make everyone happy. 

And don't freak out over the ingredients. If you can only find 12 small chicken thighs that is fine, just use them. If you can't find chorizo and can only find Italian sausage, that is okay...now you are making Italian chicken. Don't sweat the small stuff, simple dinners like this can still be delicious even with modifications. Have fun in your kitchen, and never be afraid of mistakes. 

Here's to living our dreams...in 2013!!!

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Nigella Lawson's Spanish Chicken
8 medium organic chicken thighs
1/2 large red onion (or 1 small/med onion), chopped
1 lb. fresh Spanish Chorizo sausage links (partially cooked and sliced)
zest of one medium orange
1 tbls dried oregano
1 lb. baby gold potatoes, sliced in half
olive oil
salt & pepper

Grab a rimmed baking pan and add about 2 tbls of olive oil to the pan. Take your chicken and rub the olive oil over the chicken and then place the chicken thighs skin side up on the baking sheet.

Add a little salt and pepper to your chicken. Evenly spread the potatoes, chorizo and onion in the pan.

Sprinkle the oregano over the chicken skin and then finally zest the orange over top of the ingredients.

Bake in the oven for about 30 minutes remove the pan and then baste the chicken with the pan juices. Return to the oven for approximately 30 more minutes until the chicken is browned and has reached an internal temperature of 170 degrees.

Remove the potatoes and chorizo from the pan and place in a serving bowl. Place chicken on top of the potatoes and chorizo and add a little more fresh orange zest if desired.

Serve with something green like Brussels sprouts or asparagus. Or a fresh green salad.