Schmaltzy Roasted Chicken Thighs with Caramelized Onion Kugel Muffins

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-25 · Updated 2026-04-25

Juicy chicken thighs roasted in rendered chicken fat paired with savory caramelized onion kugel baked in individual muffin tins for a perfect Hanukkah side. This Mediterranean-inspired Hanukkah recipe, ready in about 65 minutes, pairs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, rendered chicken fat (schmaltz), salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 6 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 3 tbsp rendered chicken fat (schmaltz)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 3 medium, thinly sliced onions
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup matzo meal
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Pat dry 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and season them with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then rub with 3 tbsp rendered chicken fat. Arrange on a baking sheet lined with a rack for even roasting.
2. Step 2: Roast the chicken thighs in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
3. Step 3: Meanwhile, heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 medium thinly sliced onions and 1 tsp sugar, cooking for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until deeply caramelized and brown.
4. Step 4: In a large bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs, 1 cup matzo meal, and 1/2 cup sour cream until smooth. Fold in the caramelized onions along with 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon.
5. Step 5: Grease a 12-cup muffin tin and divide the kugel mixture evenly among the cups. Bake in the oven alongside the chicken for 35-40 minutes until the tops are browned and set.
6. Step 6: Remove the chicken and kugel from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving the flavorful chicken thighs with the warm, savory onion kugel muffins.