Basil Chicken Thighs
These juicy, pan-seared chicken thighs are infused with a fragrant, garlicky basil sauce that makes for a quick and elegant weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- •8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- •2 tablespoons olive oil
- •4 cloves garlic, minced
- •1/2 cup chicken broth
- •1/4 cup dry white wine (or extra chicken broth)
- •2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- •1 tablespoon lemon juice
- •1 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
- •1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- •1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- •1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
- 2
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs in a single layer and sear for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- 3
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate, tenting with foil to keep warm.
- 4
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 5
Pour in the white wine and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Let the liquid simmer for 3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- 6
Whisk in the butter and lemon juice until the sauce is smooth and glossy.
- 7
Return the chicken to the pan, turning to coat in the sauce, and stir in the fresh basil leaves just before serving.
- 8
Serve immediately, spooning the extra pan sauce over the chicken.
💡 Chef tips
- For a deeper flavor, use fresh Thai basil instead of Italian basil to give the dish a slightly spicy, anise-like undertone.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of water during the simmering stage.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished dish features golden-brown chicken thighs coated in a silky, bright citrus-garlic sauce with the vibrant, herbaceous aroma of fresh basil.