Lavender has been known to remedy many different ailments such as, anxiety, depression, fatigue, insomnia and stress. I love coming up with different ways to use it in recipes whenever I can. Especially in baking and various hot and cold drinks. I think this recipe has the best of both worlds, sweet and savory flavors of garlic, herbs and honey with a hint of lavender. It’s a very delicious and comforting meal.
Lavender Honey Chicken
serves 4-6
Ingredients
2 1/2 – 3lbs organic chicken thighs, bone-in
For the Marinade
2 TBS culinary lavender, dried
4 TBS olive oil, extra virgin
4 TBS raw honey
4 sprigs organic thyme
2 organic garlic cloves, minced
zest of 1 large organic lemon
1/4 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
1 1/2 tsp sea salt (or to taste)
Instructions
1. Make the marinade.
Crush the lavender in a mortar and pestle (or pulse a few times in a mini food processor). In a medium bowl add the crushed lavender and the remaining marinade ingredients.
2. Whisk until it’s well combined. In a large glass bowl or large ziploc bag, add the chicken thighs and toss well to coat. Cover and leave to marinade for 30 minutes (at room temp) or up to four hours (in the refrigerator).
3. When ready to roast, preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
Place the chicken pieces in a roasting pan in a single layer, skin side up. Pour the marinade over the top. Roast for 30 to 40 minutes, basting the chicken with the honey lavender sauce every ten minutes (being careful not to over brown, which can occur due to the sugar in the honey) until golden and chicken juices run clear.
5. Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes. Reserve the lavender honey juices from the pan and spoon over chicken.
Michelle Cooks with Love 