Lavender pairs well with other herbs in a Provence-style marinade, then it’s sweetened with a bit of honey during roasting. Cooking with the skin on helps to naturally baste the chicken.
This recipe and photo are from Foodland Ontario, foodlandontario.ca, will fire up your grilling gusto.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 45 to 60 minutes
Serves 6
Marinade:
1 tbsp (15 mL) grated lemon rind
1/4 cup (50 mL) lemon juice
3 tbsp (45 mL) vegetable oil
2 cloves Ontario garlic, minced
4 tsp (20 mL) culinary-grade dried Ontario lavender
1 tbsp (15 mL) finely chopped fresh Ontario rosemary
2 tsp (10 mL) finely chopped fresh Ontario thyme
Salt and pepper
1/3 cup (75 mL) Ontario honey
1 tbsp (15 mL) deli-style mustard or whole grain Dijon mustard
2-1/4 lbs (1.125 kg) bone-in, skin-on Ontario chicken thighs
Marinade: In medium bowl, whisk together lemon rind, lemon juice, oil, garlic, lavender, rosemary and thyme. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove 2 tbsp (25 mL) to small bowl; set aside.
Trim any excess skin from chicken. Cut three slices about 1/2-inch (1 cm) deep through the skin and into flesh of each chicken thigh; place in large freezer bag. Pour marinade into bag, seal and rub marinade into thighs. Marinate in refrigerator for 1 hour up to 12 hours.
Remove chicken thighs from marinade; discard marinade. Place chicken in 9 x 13-inch (23 x 33 cm) baking dish. Bake in 425°F (220°C) oven for 30 minutes; brush with pan juices. In small bowl, whisk together reserved marinade, honey and mustard; brush half over chicken. Reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and cook 10 minutes longer. Brush with remaining honey mixture. Return to oven for 5 more minutes or until internal temperature is 165°F (74°C) or juices run clear.
Variation: Cook on barbecue, skin side up, over medium heat with lid closed. Cooking time will vary with thickness of thighs. Brush with honey mixture a couple of times once chicken is nicely browned.
Nutritional Information:
1 serving
PROTEIN: 26 grams
FAT: 16 grams
CARBOHYDRATE: 16 grams
CALORIES: 320
FIBRE: 0 grams
SODIUM: 145 mg
