Zesty Mint Infused Chicken Thighs
Indulge your taste buds with these Zesty Mint Infused Chicken Thighs, where succulent pieces of skinless, boneless chicken are marinated in a refreshing mixture of creamy yogurt, fragrant fresh mint, zesty lemon juice, and sweet honey. The marinated chicken is broiled to perfection, yielding a juicy, flavorful dish that pairs wonderfully with new potatoes and a vibrant tomato salad. Perfect for a family gathering or a weeknight dinner, this dish brings a burst of flavor and freshness to your table.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken thighs
8 (skinless, boneless)
honey
1 (tablespoon)
lemon juice
2 (tablespoons)
natural yogurt
2 (tablespoons)
fresh mint
4 (tablespoons, chopped)
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Preheat your broiler or grill to medium-high heat.
2
Use a sharp knife to slash the chicken thighs at regular intervals, creating shallow cuts for better marinade penetration.
3
In a mixing bowl, combine the honey, lemon juice, natural yogurt, and half of the chopped fresh mint. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
4
Place the slashed chicken thighs in the bowl and coat them thoroughly with the marinade mixture. Cover and let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5
Once marinated, line a broiler pan with aluminum foil. Arrange the chicken thighs on the pan, ensuring they are spaced out for even cooking.
6
Broil the chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked, juices run clear, and the exterior is golden brown and slightly charred.
7
Remove the chicken from the broiler, and sprinkle the remaining chopped mint on top for a fresh finish.
8
Serve immediately with your choice of new potatoes and a light tomato salad for a refreshing meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 8 skinless, boneless chicken thighs.
What are the primary flavors in the marinade?
The marinade features a refreshing blend of natural yogurt, fresh mint, zesty lemon juice, and sweet honey.
How should I prepare the chicken thighs before marinating?
You should use a sharp knife to slash the chicken thighs at regular intervals to allow the marinade to penetrate better.
How much honey is needed for the marinade?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of honey.
How much lemon juice is used?
You will need 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.
What type of yogurt should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of natural yogurt.
How much fresh mint is used in total?
A total of 4 tablespoons of chopped fresh mint is used throughout the recipe.
Is all the mint added to the marinade?
No, only half of the chopped mint is added to the marinade; the rest is saved for garnishing.
How should the marinade be seasoned?
It should be seasoned generously with salt and black pepper to taste.
How long does the chicken need to marinate?
The chicken should marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
What are the cooking methods suggested?
The chicken can be cooked using a broiler or a grill.
What temperature setting should be used for the broiler?
The broiler should be preheated to medium-high heat.
How should the broiler pan be prepared?
You should line the broiler pan with aluminum foil for easier cleanup and even cooking.
How long does it take to cook the chicken?
The chicken should be broiled for 6-8 minutes on each side.
How do I know when the chicken is finished cooking?
The chicken is done when the juices run clear and the exterior is golden brown and slightly charred.
When do I add the remaining fresh mint?
Sprinkle the remaining chopped mint over the chicken immediately after removing it from the broiler.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to provide 4 servings.
What side dishes are recommended with this chicken?
It pairs wonderfully with new potatoes and a vibrant tomato salad.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is described as perfect for both family gatherings and quick weeknight meals.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
While the recipe specifies thighs for succulence, you could use breasts, though cooking times may vary.
Should the chicken be spaced out on the pan?
Yes, ensuring the pieces are spaced out allows for even cooking and charring.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The dish yields succulent, juicy chicken with a slightly charred and golden brown exterior.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy dinner and light recipe using fresh herbs and skinless chicken.
Can I marinate the chicken for longer than 30 minutes?
Yes, 30 minutes is the minimum; longer marinating will allow the flavors to meld further.
Does the recipe use dried or fresh herbs?
The recipe specifically calls for fresh mint for the best flavor.
What type of chicken thighs are used?
The recipe uses skinless and boneless chicken thighs.
What kind of salad should I serve?
A light and vibrant tomato salad is recommended to provide freshness.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Based on the ingredients listed (chicken, honey, lemon, yogurt, mint), this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Can I cook this on an outdoor grill?
Yes, the instructions include preheating a grill to medium-high heat as an alternative to broiling.
What is the purpose of the yogurt in the marinade?
The natural yogurt helps create a creamy base for the marinade that helps tenderize the chicken.