Oven-baked boneless chicken thighs with basil and garlic

Boneless chicken thighs baked with basil and garlic

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 90 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Welcome to the world of delicious cooking! Today, I will share with you a simple yet absolutely delicious recipe for boneless chicken thighs baked with basil and garlic. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also a healthy choice for a family meal. With fresh and aromatic ingredients, this dish is sure to become a favorite at the table.

A bit of history...

Baked chicken recipes have been passed down from generation to generation. It is a dish that brings family and friends together, each with their own variations and traditions. Chicken thighs, with their tender and juicy meat, are perfect for baking, and the combination with basil and garlic adds a rich and aromatic Mediterranean touch.

Essential ingredients:

- 4 boneless chicken thighs (you can adjust the quantity according to your needs)
- A bunch of fresh basil (about 50g)
- 200g fresh mushrooms (preferably champignon, but you can experiment with other types)
- 5-6 green garlic cloves
- 2-3 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika

Preparing the ingredients

The first step is to take care of the chicken thighs. Make sure they are well washed under cold running water. Then, season them on both sides with salt and pepper. These basic seasonings are essential for adding a special flavor to the dish.

The basil should be finely chopped. It is important to use fresh basil, as its intense aroma will completely transform the dish. If you have a mortar, this is the perfect place to crush the basil and release its essential oils.

The green garlic needs to be peeled and finely chopped. This will add a strong and savory flavor, perfect for complementing the taste of the chicken thighs.

Preparing the marinade

In a large bowl, lay a layer of chicken thighs. Sprinkle the chopped basil, garlic, sweet paprika, and drizzle with olive oil on top. Cover the chicken with another layer of thighs and repeat the seasoning process. If you have time, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it chill in the fridge for 2-3 hours. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. If you are in a hurry, you can proceed directly to the next step.

Baking

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the chicken thighs in a baking dish. In the meantime, clean the mushrooms and place them around the thighs. Each mushroom can be filled with a small cube of butter, which will add extra flavor and keep the mushrooms juicy.

Add a few bay leaves to the dish, which will give a pleasant aroma to the dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture.

Cooking

Put the dish in the oven and let it bake for about an hour and a half. It is important to check occasionally to ensure that the chicken does not dry out. After about 60 minutes, you can remove the foil to allow the thighs to brown nicely.

Tips and useful advice

To check if the thighs are cooked, you can use a cooking thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 75 degrees Celsius. If you don’t have a thermometer, another way is to cut a bit of the meat near the bone; if the juices run clear, then the chicken is ready.

This recipe pairs excellently with sides like creamy mashed potatoes or grilled vegetables. Additionally, a dry white wine will perfectly complement the flavors.

Nutritional benefits

Chicken thighs are an excellent source of protein, essential for maintaining muscle mass and overall health. Basil, besides its unique aroma, is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. Garlic is known for its beneficial effects on the immune system and cardiovascular health.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use bone-in chicken thighs?
Yes, bone-in thighs will add more flavor to the dish, but the cooking time may be longer.

2. What other herbs can I use instead of basil?
If you don’t have basil, you can use oregano or rosemary, which pair well with chicken.

3. How can I adapt the recipe to make it spicier?
Adding a pinch of chili powder or chili flakes will add some heat.

4. Can I use frozen mushrooms?
It is recommended to use fresh mushrooms to achieve a better texture, but in their absence, frozen mushrooms can be an acceptable alternative.

I hope this recipe for boneless chicken thighs baked with basil and garlic brings you joy and flavor in the kitchen! Don’t forget to share your experience and experiment with your favorite flavors. We look forward to welcoming you back for more recipes and cooking ideas!