Chicken Thighs With Honey Basil
Juicy chicken thighs glazed with honey and infused with fresh basil, roasted to perfection—ideal for a flavorful, herbaceous main that delights with sweet and savory notes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Cut a piece of aluminum foil into a 1/2 square foot square for each thigh.
- Sprinkle the chicken thighs with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Brown each thigh for about 2 minutes on each side.
- Place each browned thigh in the center of a foil square.
- Dissolve the honey in the warm chicken stock and drizzle the mixture equally over each thigh.
- Lay four garlic slices on each thigh.
- Cover each thigh with a loose layer of basil leaves and wrap the foil snugly over the top.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider marinating the chicken thighs in honey, garlic, and basil for a few hours before cooking. If fresh basil isn't available, you can substitute with 1 tablespoon of dried basil. Adjust the honey to your taste, especially if you prefer a sweeter dish. This recipe also works well with chicken breasts if that’s what you have on hand.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken thighs with a side of Lemon-Zucchini Rice for a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the honey. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables also pairs nicely. For a complete meal, consider offering a glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon to complement the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the thighs in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. This method keeps the chicken moist and flavorful.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Thighs With Honey Basil contains roughly 1418 calories, with 3g protein, 337g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is a good source of iron (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1892mg per serving (82% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use skinless chicken thighs for this recipe?
Yes, you can use skinless chicken thighs, but the skin adds richness and helps keep the meat moist during cooking. If using skinless, be sure to monitor cooking times closely to prevent drying out.
Can I prepare these chicken thighs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken thighs up to the point of wrapping them in foil, then refrigerate until you're ready to bake. Just ensure to bring them to room temperature before cooking for even cooking.
What can I substitute for honey if I need a different sweetener?
If you need an alternative to honey, maple syrup or agave nectar can work well. Keep in mind that these options might alter the flavor slightly, but they will still provide the necessary sweetness to balance the dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).