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Minty, Boozy Chicken

This zesty minty, boozy chicken is a vibrant and aromatic dish that brings a refreshing twist to a classic roast. The combination of fresh mint and coriander creates a bright, herbaceous base, while the addition of dark rum and citrus juices adds a sophisticated depth of flavour. This recipe provides a wonderful balance of savoury and zingy notes, making it a standout choice for a weekend dinner that feels special yet remains simple to prepare.

As a diabetes-friendly main course, this dish prioritises high-quality protein and fresh herbs over sugary glazes. The slow-cooked onions and citrus marinade ensure the chicken remains succulent and tender without the need for heavy sauces. Serve these golden-brown pieces with a crisp green salad or roasted Mediterranean vegetables for a balanced and nourishing meal that everyone at the table will enjoy.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Minty, Boozy Chicken

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1 medium onion, finely minced

  • 5 cloves garlic, roughly chopped

  • 1 pinch ground cumin

  • Kosher salt

  • Freshly ground black pepper

  • 1 cup chopped fresh mint

  • 1 cup chopped fresh coriander

  • 1 orange, zested and juiced

  • 2 limes, zested and juiced

  • 1 lime, for serving

  • 3 tablespoons dark rum

  • Olive oil spray

  • 1 large onion, sliced into wheels

  • 8 pieces organic chicken

How to make Minty, Boozy Chicken

Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter with 1 tablespoon of the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced onion, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper, turn the heat down to low, and saute for about 10 minutes, until the onion softens. Transfer the mixture to a blender, then add the mint and coriander, zests, juices, and rum and puree. Reserve 120ml the puree and use the rest to marinate the chicken for a few hours in the refrigerator.

Preheat the oven to 400˚F. Melt the remaining butter with the remaining oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, working in batches if necessary, and brown both sides, about 10 minutes.

When nicely browned, transfer the chicken pieces with tongs to a plate. In the same skillet, cook the sliced onion gently for a few minutes, until slightly softened. Return the chicken to the skillet, skin side down, salt and pepper liberally, and pour the marinade over them. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 30 minutes.

Using tongs, flip each piece over, return to the oven, and bake for another 30 minutes, or until the chicken—especially thighs, if you’re using them—is fully cooked. Remove the chicken and transfer to a serving platter. Pour the reserved 120ml puree into the pan and mix it around with a spatula. Pour this sauce over the chicken. Serve with lime wedges and a small bowl of salt to pass around.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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