KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Last Thursday morning, local food fans got a flavorful treat as Dan Mitchell joined Luca Paris on WKBK Radio to dive deep into the art of cooking—with chicken thighs taking center stage.

They praised chicken thighs as the unsung hero of poultry. Dubbed the “filet mignon of chicken,” thighs were celebrated for their rich flavor and juicy texture—a clear step up from their leaner cousin, the chicken breast. The duo swapped tips and tricks for grilling, marinating, and building bold flavor profiles, from tangy dry rubs to rich mustard and cream sauces.

The conversation didn’t stop at poultry. Mitchell and Paris also brainstormed creative spins on classic meatloaf, bouncing around ideas that included Italian-inspired versions and playful cheeseburger-style takes. Cheese, bacon, and unexpected flavor twists all made the brainstorming list as potential upgrades to the traditional comfort food.

Alongside recipe ideas, the hosts shared practical cooking advice, including how to use indirect heat when grilling and the benefits of experimenting with marinades.

Wrapping up the show, Mitchell hinted at plans to develop a new meatloaf recipe for a local grocery store and continue experimenting with chicken thigh preparations. The conversation served up plenty of inspiration for home cooks—and a reminder that comfort food can be creative, too.

Listeners can catch What’s Cooking with Luca Paris every Thursday morning on WKBK for more culinary insights and local flavor.

Listen to the full episode: