Lemon Basil Chicken Thighs with Jeweled Quinoa and Pesto

4 people
00h 15
00h 20

Tender lemon basil chicken thighs served with vibrant jeweled quinoa and a fresh basil pesto—an elegant, flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions

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Ingredients and Method

Ingredients

  • 3lbs ButcherBox.ca Bone in Skin on Chicken Thighs
  • ½ c lemon juice
  • 1½ c ButcherBox.ca Chicken Stock
  • 2 tbsp basil chiffonade
  • to taste kosher salt
  • to taste ground black pepper
  • 1 c quinoa
  • 2 c asparagus ¼" slices
  • 3 carrot small dice
  • 1 red pepper small dice
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • Arugula Pesto
  • 1 5 oz package arugula
  • 1 c Parmesan cheese
  • ¼-½ c olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 lemon juiced and zested
  • 1 clove garlic grated

Method

  1. Preheat a Dutch oven on the stovetop over medium-high heat.
  2. Add oil. Season chicken thighs generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, then place 4 chicken thighs skin-side down in Dutch oven. Do not overcrowd the pan.
  3. Sear for 6 minutes. Flip and sear for 2 more minutes.
  4. Remove chicken thighs from Dutch oven and let rest on sheet pan. Repeat with remaining 4 chicken thighs.
  5. Add carrots to Dutch oven and sauté for 3 minutes.
  6. Deglaze pan with lemon juice.
  7. Add chicken stock, quinoa and and basil to carrots, and bring to a simmer.
  8. Return chicken thighs and any liquid on sheet pan to Dutch oven. Cover and cook on medium-low heat for 20 minutes.
  9. Remove chicken from pan. Add asparagus and red pepper, then cover and cook for 5 more minutes.
  10. Arugula Pesto
  11. Place arugula, garlic, salt, pepper, lemon juice and zest to food processor. Pulse for 1 minute. With the food processor on low, add extra virgin olive oil in a slow, steady drizzle.
  12. Serve pesto alongside chicken and quinoa
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