Impress your guests with a Thai-inspired twist on the classic roast chicken. This recipe features a flavorful Thai basil pesto made with roasted peanuts and Parmesan cheese, adding an aromatic and nutty profile to the dish. The chicken is stuffed with lemon slices, fresh Thai basil, and a generous layer of the basil pesto under the skin, creating a juicy and aromatic roast. Glazed with a sweet and savory mixture of soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, and vegetable oil, this Thai Basil Pesto Stuffed Roast Chicken is a delightful fusion of festive and exotic flavors.
Recipe Summary
Preparation
30 min
Difficulty
Intermediate
Ingredients
Instructions
1
Step 1
For the Basil Pesto:
2
Step 2
Combine Thai basil leaves, roasted peanuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese in a food processor.
3
Step 3
Pulse until finely chopped.
4
Step 4
With the processor running, drizzle in olive oil until the pesto is smooth.
5
Step 5
Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
6
Step 6
For the Stuffed Roast Chicken:
7
Step 7
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
8
Step 8
Rinse and pat dry the chicken.
9
Step 9
Season inside and out with salt and pepper.
10
Step 10
Mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, and vegetable oil to create a glaze.
11
Step 11
Stuff the chicken cavity with lemon slices and fresh Thai basil sprigs.
12
Step 12
Lift chicken skin and spread Thai basil pesto underneath.
13
Step 13
Brush the outside with the soy-oyster-honey glaze.
14
Step 14
Roast in the oven for 1.5 to 2 hours or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
15
Step 15
Baste every 20-30 minutes.
16
Step 16
Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
17
Step 17
Serve as a stunning centerpiece for your Christmas dinner.
Tips for this recipe
Here are some useful tips to perfectly prepare Thai Basil Pesto Stuffed Roast Chicken and get the best results.
Always use fresh ingredients for the best flavor
Prepare all ingredients before starting to cook
Monitor temperature during cooking to prevent burning
Frequently Asked Questions
This recipe has a Intermediate difficulty level, which means it's accessible for cooks of all levels.
The preparation time is 30 minutes and the cooking time is minutes.
This recipe is designed for servings.
Yes, many ingredients can be substituted with similar alternatives. We recommend checking the recipe variations.
Store the preparation in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Some preparations can be frozen for up to 3 months.