Marinated thighs in mayonnaise with basil, served with hasselback potatoes

Marinated chicken thighs in mayonnaise with basil and Hasselback potatoes

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Marination time: 24 hours
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 24 hours and 1 hour
Number of servings: 2

Who doesn’t love a delicious and simple meal that brings the family together around the table? This recipe for chicken thighs marinated in mayonnaise with basil, accompanied by Hasselback potatoes, is perfect for a relaxing evening at home. It’s a recipe that will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of nostalgia, reminiscent of hearty meals from childhood.

A brief history of the recipe

Marinated chicken recipes have been used for centuries, and mayonnaise, a versatile ingredient, quickly became a favorite in many dishes. This combination not only enhances the flavor of the meat but also gives it an appetizing appearance due to the perfect browning. Hasselback potatoes, with their characteristic look, were created in Sweden but gained popularity worldwide for their crispy texture and how they absorb flavors from sauces and spices.

Ingredients

- 2 chicken thighs
- 3 large potatoes
- 80 g mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Coarse salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 4-5 garlic cloves

Preparation

1. Marinating the thighs: Start by washing the chicken thighs well under a stream of cold water. Dry them with a paper towel. Generously season both sides with salt and pepper.

2. Applying the mayonnaise: In a bowl, mix half of the mayonnaise with a teaspoon of basil. This mixture will add a savory flavor to the thighs. Spread the mixture over the thighs, ensuring they are evenly coated. Place them in an airtight container or a plastic bag and refrigerate for 24 hours. This marination will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat, giving it an intense taste.

3. Preparing for baking: The next day, take the thighs out of the fridge and preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Spread the remaining mayonnaise over the thighs and sprinkle the other teaspoon of basil. Place the thighs in a baking dish.

4. Preparing the garlic: Gently crush the garlic cloves with the blade of a knife and add them to the dish next to the chicken thighs. This step will transform the flavor of the meat, giving it a subtle garlic note.

5. Baking the thighs: Cover the dish with parchment paper greased with a little oil to prevent the meat from drying out. Put the dish in the oven and bake for 10 minutes at 200 degrees, then reduce the temperature to 175 degrees Celsius and let bake for another 40 minutes. Finally, remove the parchment paper and let the thighs brown nicely for 10-15 minutes.

6. Preparing the Hasselback potatoes: While the thighs are baking, take care of the potatoes. Wash them well, peel them, and slice them thinly, but not completely, so they remain whole at the base - this will give them the accordion appearance.

7. Seasoning the potatoes: In a bowl, mix the melted butter, basil, salt, pepper, and crushed garlic. Use this mixture to brush the potato slices, ensuring it gets into every cut.

8. Baking the potatoes: Place the potatoes in the same dish as the thighs and let them bake together. The temperatures and flavors will blend perfectly, but make sure to turn them occasionally for even browning.

9. Serving: Once the thighs are golden and crispy, and the potatoes are soft and flavorful, take the dish out of the oven. Serve the dish warm, alongside a fresh green salad or grilled vegetables to add a touch of freshness to your meal.

Practical tips

- For an even more intense flavor, you can add a splash of lemon to the mayonnaise marinade.
- If you want to simplify the recipe, you can use pre-cooked or frozen potatoes, but the flavor and texture won’t be as good.
- Instead of basil, you can experiment with other herbs like thyme or rosemary to diversify the flavors.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use another type of meat?
Yes, this recipe can be adapted using chicken breast or even pork. The baking time will vary depending on the type of meat used.

2. Can it be prepared in advance?
Yes, the thighs can be marinated a day ahead, and the potatoes can be prepared and left in the fridge, then just put in the oven when you are ready to serve.

3. What other sides can I serve with this dish?
This recipe pairs excellently with a summer salad, rice, or sautéed vegetables.

Nutritional benefits

This recipe is rich in protein due to the chicken thighs, and mayonnaise adds healthy fats. The potatoes are a good source of carbohydrates and fiber. Thus, this dish offers a nutritional balance, ideal for a family meal.

With this recipe for marinated chicken thighs in mayonnaise with basil and Hasselback potatoes, you will manage to bring joy and flavor to every meal. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your loved ones and enjoy the moments spent together!