Sweet Basil Rub for Chicken
Elevate your chicken dinners with this Sweet Basil Rub—a quick and flavorful recipe that combines the herbaceous aroma of dried sweet basil with the subtle sweetness of brown sugar, a touch of smoky paprika, and a hint of garlic. This DIY spice blend is perfect for boneless chicken breasts or thighs, lending a beautiful caramelized finish when grilled or pan-seared. With optional cayenne for a kick of heat, this versatile rub is ideal for customizing to your taste. In just 30 minutes, including prep and cook time, you’ll have a juicy, golden chicken dish ready to impress. Pair it with roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad for a complete and satisfying meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining, this Sweet Basil Rub recipe is a surefire way to pack bold flavor into every bite of your chicken.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons sweet basil (dried)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1.5 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper (ground)
- 0.25 teaspoons optional cayenne pepper (for heat)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 pieces boneless chicken breasts or thighs
Instructions
In a small mixing bowl, combine sweet basil, brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Stir until evenly blended.
Pat the chicken breasts or thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the rub adhere better.
Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken pieces and rub it evenly onto each piece.
Generously sprinkle the sweet basil mixture over both sides of the chicken, gently pressing it onto the surface to ensure good adhesion.
Preheat a grill, grill pan, or skillet over medium heat. If grilling, lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the outside is golden and slightly caramelized.
Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Serve warm with a side of your choice, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
291 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 11.3 g | 14% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.2 g | 11% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 102 mg | 34% | |
| Sodium | 577 mg | 25% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 8.5 g | 3% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.0 g | 3% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.3 g | ||
| Protein | 37.9 g | 76% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.4 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 53 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 2.5 mg | 14% | |
| Potassium | 402 mg | 9% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
