| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 25 mins – 30 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 365 | 13g | 3g | 20g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 17g | 2g | 30g | 0.36g |
If I were to put my heart on a plate, it would most certainly look a lot like the Lavender Honey Chicken Recipe. A mélange of flavors that mirror my Gujrati heritage blended with my Californian upbringing, creating an Indian-American fusion dish that strikes a chord somewhere deep within me. This delightful recipe, brimming with juicy chicken breasts, bursts of berries, and the sweet, floral notes of lavender and honey, is more than just a family favorite in my household but a testament to culinary harmony.
A Love Story Enrobed in Flavor
The Lavender Honey Chicken Recipe holds a truly special place in my heart. Aside from its texture and flavors, this recipe is a trip down memory lane and a love letter to my roots and the West Coast where I was raised. My Faisal, whose palate also roots from distant lands, is always enthralled by this dish, and our two sons? Well, they simply can’t have enough of it. However, the merits of this dish run deeper. It’s not just how it caters to our diverse tastes but also how it fosters an environment of sharing and unity at our dining table.
Health Benefits and Nutritional Upsides
Alongside its enchanting flavors, the Lavender Honey Chicken Recipe also packs a healthful punch. The use of olive oil and honey means this heart-healthy dish is rich in anti-oxidants and good fatty acids. Olive oil is a goldmine of monounsaturated fats that help regulate cholesterol levels and protect against heart diseases. It’s also laden with proponents that fight inflammation. Honey, besides lending its innate sweetness to the dish, offers numerous health advantages; from healing wounds, to soothing a sore throat, and even acting as a natural cough suppressant. Moreover, the ripe mixed berries incorporated into the recipe are not only an explosion of delicate succulence but are also a great source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
This recipe is reminiscent of other poultry based dinner options such as The Chicken Marbella or the Lemon Garlic Roast Chicken. Yet, the Lavender Honey Chicken Recipe stands out with its characteristic sweetness and unique seasoning. It pairs incredibly well with sides like roasted potatoes or a simple, fresh green salad.
In essence, the Lavender Honey Chicken Recipe is an amalgamation of food that is healthy, delicious, and carries a touch of sentiment. It’s all about marrying the comfort of home cooking with the novelty of exotic flavors. So go ahead and take this culinary leap. You won’t regret it!
What You’ll Need
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon dried lavender
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup fresh mixed berries (e.g., raspberries, blueberries, blackberries)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
Method
Step One
Begin by preparing your chicken. Take your 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts and lay them out on a clean, flat surface. Using a sharp knife, make a few small cuts along each breast to allow the marinade to penetrate the meat.
Step Two
In a bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, honey, lemon juice, dried lavender, salt, and black pepper. Stir these ingredients together until well blended. This will be your marinade.
Step Three
Put the chicken breasts in a large dish or ziplock bag and pour the marinade over the chicken. Make sure to coat each breast entirely in the marinade. Let it sit in the refrigerator to marinate for at least two hours, though overnight is best.
Step Four
When you’re ready to cook the chicken, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, shaking off any excess, and place them in a baking dish.
Step Five
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. The chicken is done when it’s no longer pink in the middle and the juices run clear. A meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step Six
While the chicken cooks, prepare the berry mix. In a bowl, combine the mixed berries, basil, and mint. Stir gently to combine, trying not to burst the berries.
Step Seven
Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve each breast with a generous spoonful of the berry mixture on top. Enjoy!
