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Sapphire Splash hen with missing feathers from pecking

Sapphire Splash Chicken

A vibrant, flavorful baked chicken dish with a lemon-herb marinade and a splash of blue butterfly pea flower infusion for a visual twist—perfect for dinner parties or gourmet family meals.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American Fusion
Calories: 310
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme or ½ tsp dried
  • 1 tsp fresh rosemary chopped
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp sea salt
  • ¼ tsp ground black pepper
  • ½ cup brewed butterfly pea flower tea cooled – for color infusion 🌸
  • Optional garnish: edible flowers or microgreens

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking dish or cast iron skillet
  • Whisk
  • Food-safe gloves (for handling marinade)
  • Oven
  • Optional: Mortar & pestle for herbs

Method
 

  1. Prepare Marinade:
  2. In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, zest, garlic, thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk well.
  3. Add the Splash:
  4. Stir in the cooled butterfly pea flower tea — this gives the chicken a slight floral note and a fun visual blue “splash.”
  5. Marinate Chicken:
  6. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl. Use gloves to massage the marinade into the meat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (up to 12 hours for deeper flavor).
  7. Bake:
  8. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place marinated chicken into a greased baking dish or cast iron skillet. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  9. Rest & Serve:
  10. Let chicken rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with microgreens or edible flowers for that extra “sapphire” flair.

Notes

You can grill instead of bake — just lower the heat slightly to prevent burning.
Butterfly pea flower tea doesn’t change the flavor much but gives a unique look.
For a spicier twist, add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade.