Basil-Roasted Chicken with Peach Salsa

Serves 6 · 20 min prep · 45 min cook

Ingredients

• 3 lb bone-in skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• ½ cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 3 cups ripe peaches, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ⅓ cup red onion, finely diced
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro or extra basil, chopped
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp honey

Instructions

1. 1Pat the chicken pieces very dry with paper towels so the skin can crisp. Place them in a large bowl or zip-top bag.
2. 2In a small bowl, stir together olive oil, chopped basil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika into a fragrant paste.
3. 3Rub the basil mixture all over the chicken, working some under the skin where possible. Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes or up to overnight for deeper flavor—ideal for make-ahead hosting.
4. 4When ready to cook, preheat the oven to 425°F and set a rack in the upper-middle position. Arrange the chicken skin-side up on a rimmed sheet pan, leaving space between pieces.
5. 5Roast until the skin is deep golden and crackling and an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part reads 175°F for dark meat, 35 to 45 minutes depending on size. Rest the chicken loosely tented for 8 minutes.
6. 6While the chicken roasts, build the peach salsa: combine diced peaches, halved cherry tomatoes, red onion, minced jalapeño, and chopped herbs in a medium bowl.
7. 7Dress the salsa with lime juice, honey, salt, and a drizzle of olive oil. Toss gently and let it sit so the peaches release sweet juices.
8. 8Taste the salsa and brighten with more lime or salt until it tastes juicy and balanced against the savory chicken.
9. 9Transfer the roasted chicken to a large platter. Spoon the peach salsa generously over and the pieces so juices mingle.
10. 10Serve family-style with extra salsa on the side and plenty of napkins—perfect centerpiece for a peak-summer weekend table.