Basil Chicken with Kumquats

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This one pan, roasted basil chicken is an easy meal that’s bursting with flavor. Red onions and sliced kumquats become deliciously sweet when roasted and provide a vibrant pop of color.

This one pan, roasted basil chicken is an easy meal that's bursting with flavor. Red onions and sliced kumquats become deliciously sweet when roasted.

Back in January I did my annual reader survey and asked you guys what you’d like to see more of. Your response? More simple, healthy, weeknight dishes. Recipes with fewer ingredients, but packed lots of flavor.

For those of you who mentioned that, well, you’re gonna love today’s recipe. And truth be told, I’m beyond thrilled with this recipe as well. I never knew kumquats could taste so unbelievably good!

This one pan, roasted basil chicken is an easy meal that's bursting with flavor. Red onions and sliced kumquats become deliciously sweet when roasted.

This one pan, roasted basil chicken is an easy meal that's bursting with flavor. Red onions and sliced kumquats become deliciously sweet when roasted.

Today’s recipe is in partnership with Bertolli, the number one oil brand in the world with over 150 years of expertise in olive oil blending. But I personally love their non-GMO, organic extra virgin olive oil made from organic olives produced using organic farming standards.

Quality matters with all ingredients. But I find that you can really taste the difference when it comes to olive oil. Enough trips to Italy have taught me that! Thankfully, the intense, full-bodied flavor of this olive oil is great for melding all the unique flavors of this basil chicken recipe into one delicious dish.

This one pan, roasted basil chicken is an easy meal that's bursting with flavor. Red onions and sliced kumquats become deliciously sweet when roasted.

This one pan, roasted basil chicken is an easy meal that's bursting with flavor. Red onions and sliced kumquats become deliciously sweet when roasted.

Basil Chicken with Kumquats

So here was the deal. Bertolli challenged to me was to create a dish that used only 5 ingredients and it had to include kumquats, basil and a purple vegetable. Hmmm. That sure had me scratching my head. Their goal? To create a simple dish that sparks spontaneity, adventure and connection – where cooking becomes a joyful appreciation of life.

As you can imagine, I accepted the challenge. And after much thought, decided to create this juicy basil chicken recipe. It’s a one pot meal (keeping things super simple) and has an amazing balance of flavors that definitely sparks a little food adventure in my books.

This one pan, roasted basil chicken is an easy meal that's bursting with flavor. Red onions and sliced kumquats become deliciously sweet when roasted.

Kumquats are known to be tangy, but did you know that it’s really the juice inside that’s tangy? The skins, ironically, are actually sweet. So when you slice and roast them, much of the juice seeps out, creating an amazing basting sauce that’s slightly tangy, while you’re left to eat the citrusy sweet kumquat itself.

Similarly, red onion is known to be a sweeter onion and when it’s roasted, it becomes more so. That’s why when I’m making a tray of roasted veggies, red onions are always included. Lastly, this recipe includes basil, which is one of my favorite herbs – whether dried or fresh – and always adds a sweet, aromatic flavor.

So where does that leave us? With a simple, elegant and delicious basil chicken recipe that’s paired with citrusy sweet kumquats and slightly caramelized onion. An unexpected recipe that’s definitely a winner.

For more healthy chicken recipes, make sure to check out my Roasted Balsamic Chicken with Brussels Sprouts, Coconut Curry Chicken and Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps.

Enjoy!

This one pan, roasted basil chicken is an easy meal that's bursting with flavor. Red onions and sliced kumquats become deliciously sweet when roasted.

This one pan, roasted basil chicken is an easy meal that's bursting with flavor. Red onions and sliced kumquats become deliciously sweet when roasted.

Basil Chicken with Kumquats

5 from 11 votes
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 1 hour
Total: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Lisa Bryan

Description

This one pan, roasted basil chicken is an easy weeknight meal that's bursting with flavor, thanks to bright and tangy kumquats.

Ingredients 
 

  • 4 chicken thighs
  • 2 tbsp Bertolli Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 cup kumquats, sliced
  • 1 red onion, sliced into wedges
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • salt and pepper
  • fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions 

  • Preheat your oven to 400 degrees fahrenheit.
  • Place the chicken thighs, sliced kumquats and red onion in a cast iron or oven safe dish and drizzle with olive oil. Use your fingers to ensure eveything is coated in oil, including both sides of the chicken. Then, place the kumquats and red onion around the chicken.
  • Sprinkle the chicken with the dried basil, salt and pepper. Cook for 40-50 minutes or until cooked through.
  • If you'd like the top of the chicken more golden, turn the top broiler on for the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Lisa's Tips

  • Cast iron pans are great for cooking. I personally love this Lodge Cast Iron Pan (which you see pictured).

Nutrition

Calories: 296.5kcal | Carbohydrates: 9.3g | Protein: 24.2g | Fat: 17.9g | Saturated Fat: 3.9g | Cholesterol: 73.8mg | Sodium: 84mg | Fiber: 2.9g | Sugar: 5g
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: basil chicken, basil chicken recipe, roasted basil chicken
Did you make this recipe?Mention @downshiftology or tag #downshiftology!

Grab a bottle of Bertolli at your local grocery store or check out Villabertolli.com

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Bertolli. The opinions and text are all mine.

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About the author

Lisa Bryan

Lisa is a bestselling cookbook author, recipe developer, and YouTuber (with over 2.5 million subscribers) living in sunny Southern California. She started Downshiftology in 2014, and is passionate about making healthy food with fresh, simple and seasonal ingredients.

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35 Comments

  1. This comment – rather, question – is about kumquats: I have some on hand & want to use them as a substitute in your “Spinach Berry Salad.” But how do you prepare kumquats to eat them raw? Peeled or is the skin digestible?

  2. Made this tonight for dinner and according to hubby it’s a keeper! Never cooked with kumquats before and was surprised how mellow and sweet they were roasted with the chicken thighs. Also super easy recipe for weeknight dinner.5 stars

  3. I absolutely love kumquats. Brings back memories of southern California. I love how this pairs with the chicken and basil.5 stars

  4. I love kumquats when I can get my hands on them. They are indeed very lovely in this chicken dish. I guess I can also use oranges when kumquats are not in season. :)5 stars

  5. I ama kumquat fan here in Florida teh season is in January they are so aromatic and lovely. Perfect for savory and sweet. This chicken dish is a must-try!5 stars

    1. Hi Adriana – Kumquats must be so delicious in Florida! And yes, it definitely adds a beautiful aroma to this chicken dish :)

  6. I love the colors and flavors the dish has to offer. I’m all about quick and easy these days and this will make a great dinner for the whole family to enjoy.5 stars

  7. I can’t believe how easy this dinner recipe is!  I never had a kumquat before and what a burst of flavor, really was sweet and sour at same time.  The flavors of the kumquats and the red onion was really tasty with the chicken thighs.  A recipe keeper! 5 stars

  8. I marinated the thighs in salt water at room temperature for 2 hours before setting it up.

    I used an orange with most of the rind cut off and added 3 slices of bacon across the top before putting in the oven. In addition, I took it out every 15 minutes and basted it wi juices from the bottom.,

  9. Can you use boneless, skinless chicken breasts? My husband does not eat skin or dark meat. How would I adjust the recipe?

      1. I am so excited to try this but I have one question-I have never cooked with kumquats.  Do I peel them and then slice them or leave the rind on them? Thank you so much!

  10. I love this one-pot meal, plus anything that has basil and extra virgin olive oil calls my name. Beautiful and simple recipe.5 stars

    1. Thank you Albert! One pot meals are the best – especially ones this delicious. :)

  11. I’ve always wondered how to cook with cumquats. This looks like such a beautiful recipe!

  12. I love using my cast iron skillet for one pan dishes. I love the use of kumquats.

    1. One pan meals are the best – especially ones full of flavor, like this! :)

  13. Confession time: I have never tried a kumquat. I see them at the store and always wonder what to do with them. Guess I have my answer now! This looks great!

    1. I’ve tried kumquats before but never actually cooked with them – so this was a first for me as well! The good news – they’re delicious when roasted. ;) x

    2. Your comment 100% reflects my statements as well, haha. Never had a kumquat, but see them all the time at the grocery store :)

      1. Now that Lisa has demystified them, we’ll have to give them a try!

      2. Maybe I’ll have to add a kumquat 101 post to the pipeline. ;) x