Basil Marinated Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs
Tender bone-in chicken thighs marinated in a fresh basil blend with avocado oil, rice vinegar, and liquid aminos, then baked until golden and crispy. The vibrant herb marinade infuses the meat with aromatic flavor while creating beautifully caramelized skin. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this healthier take on crispy chicken delivers restaurant-quality results with pantry-friendly ingredients and simple techniques.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Add marinade ingredients to a small blender and blend until smooth
- 2
Place raw chicken pieces in a zip lock bag or glass container and pour in all marinade
- 3
Seal bag and toss until all chicken is submerged in marinade
- 4
Refrigerate at least 1 hour, up to 10 hours for best results
- 5
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F when ready to bake
- 6
Transfer chicken along with marinade to a casserole dish
- 7
Bake on center rack for 30 minutes
- 8
Increase oven temperature to 425 degrees F and bake another 10 minutes until chicken is cooked through and skin is crispy
- 9
For crispier skin, broil on high setting on second-to-top shelf for 3 to 5 minutes until skin is golden
- 10
Serve with favorite side dishes
Tips
For maximum flavor, marinate chicken overnight in the refrigerator - the basil and acid will tenderize the meat beautifully.
Don't skip the broiling step if you want truly crispy skin - watch carefully to prevent burning.
Save some marinade before adding raw chicken to use as a finishing sauce after cooking.
Good to Know
Refrigerate cooked chicken up to 4 days in airtight container
Marinate chicken up to 10 hours ahead, bake just before serving
Serve immediately while skin is crispy with roasted vegetables or rice
Common Mistakes
Don't overcrowd the pan to avoid steaming instead of crisping
Watch broiling closely to prevent burning the skin
Substitutions
Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
reduce cook time by 10 minutes
FAQ
Can I use boneless chicken instead?
Yes, use boneless thighs or breasts but reduce cooking time to 25-30 minutes total to prevent drying out.
What if I don't have liquid aminos?
Substitute with soy sauce for similar umami flavor, or coconut aminos for soy-free option with slightly sweeter taste.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store in refrigerator up to 4 days. Reheat in 375F oven for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness.