Honey Lavender Chicken
Moonlit Honey Lavender Chicken
Honey Lavender Chicken is a French recipe categorized as dinner, main course, with 10 min of prep, 30 min of cooking, and 40 min total. It yields 6 servings.
Honey Lavender Chicken combines chicken thighs, honey, culinary-grade dried lavender, and Fresh culinary lavender sprigs for garnish using baking.
Mealtime: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: French
Dietary Preferences: Gluten-Free
Cooking Time: Under 30 Minutes
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Seasonal Preference: Romantic
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Estimated nutrition facts for one serving of the Moonlit Honey Lavender Chicken (based on 6 servings).
| Calories | 319 |
|---|---|
| Protein | 23 g |
| Total Fat | 15 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 24 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugars | 20 g |
| Sodium | 706 mg |
Ingredients
- 2 lb chicken thighs (900g)
- 1/4 cup honey (60mL)
- 1 teaspoon culinary-grade dried lavender (1g)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (60mL)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (30mL)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (6g)
- 1 teaspoon salt (5g)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (2g)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (30mL)
- 1/4 cup water (60mL)
- Fresh culinary lavender sprigs for garnish (optional)
Utensils
- Mixing bowl
- Large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Garlic press
- Baking dish
- Oven
- Meat thermometer
- Tongs or spatula
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Serving platter or plate
Step by Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Whisk together the honey, dried lavender, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and water.
- Reserve 1/3 cup of the clean honey-lavender mixture in a covered container before it touches the raw chicken.
- Coat the chicken thighs with the remaining mixture and marinate them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 4 hours.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, discard the used marinade, and arrange the thighs in one layer in a baking dish.
- Bake for 20 minutes, then brush the chicken with half of the clean reserved mixture.
- Continue baking for 10 to 15 minutes, brushing with the remaining clean mixture during the final 5 minutes, until the thickest thigh reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest the chicken for 5 minutes.
- Serve the Honey Lavender Chicken with optional fresh culinary lavender sprigs.
Variations & Serving Suggestions
Play around with different flavor partners and accompaniments to keep this dish feeling new every time you make it.
- Swap the soy sauce for coconut aminos for a lighter, gluten-free alternative.
- Add a sprinkle of rosemary or thyme to the marinade for an herbal boost.
- Serve the chicken atop fragrant couscous or fluffy quinoa, paired with a crisp arugula salad.
- Garnish with extra lemon zest or fresh lavender sprigs to elevate the presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Storage
Within two hours of cooking, divide leftover Honey Lavender Chicken into shallow portions and refrigerate them in an airtight container at 40°F (4°C) or below. Use refrigerated leftovers within 3 to 4 days; freeze sooner if they will not be used in that window.
Reheating
Reheat Honey Lavender Chicken gently in a covered skillet over low to medium-low heat with a small splash of the original sauce to retain moisture and flavor. Turn or stir as needed for even heating and verify that the center reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Practical Cooking Notes
mixing bowl, measuring tools, covered container, baking dish, pastry brush, instant-read thermometer.
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is golden brown.
Helpful Recipe Tips & FAQs
Can I use another cut of chicken?
Yes. Bone-in thighs or drumsticks retain the most moisture; boneless breasts also work but usually cook faster. Keep the same marinade and verify that the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C).
How can I increase the lavender flavor without making it soapy?
Keep the listed dried lavender at 1 teaspoon and use culinary-grade lavender-infused honey in place of the regular honey. This strengthens the aroma more evenly than adding extra dried buds.
What sides pair best with Honey Lavender Chicken?
Citrusy couscous, herbed rice, roasted root vegetables, or grilled seasonal vegetables balance the floral honey glaze. A crisp green salad with lemon dressing provides a lighter contrast.
Can I prepare the marinade ahead?
Yes. Whisk the mixture up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate it. Before adding raw chicken, reserve the clean 1/3 cup used for brushing; marinate the chicken for 30 minutes to 4 hours and discard the portion that touched it.