Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs with Lemon Glaze

Short Description

Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs with Lemon Glaze is a delightful dish that combines the savory richness of chicken thighs with the sweet and tangy flavors of honey and lemon. The crispy skin and juicy meat are complemented by a luscious glaze, making it a perfect centerpiece for any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Flavorful Combination: The harmony of honey, garlic, and lemon creates a balanced and irresistible taste.

  • Crispy Texture: Achieving a crispy skin adds a satisfying crunch to each bite.

  • Simple Ingredients: Utilizes common pantry staples, making it convenient to prepare.

  • Versatile Serving Options: Pairs well with various sides, from rice to roasted vegetables.

  • Family-Friendly: A dish that appeals to both adults and children alike.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

  • 2 tablespoons olive oilPunchfork

For the Honey Garlic Lemon Glaze:

Directions

  1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

  3. Sear Chicken: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip and sear the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes.

  4. Bake Chicken: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

  5. Prepare Glaze: While the chicken is baking, in a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in honey, lemon juice, and soy sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.

  6. Glaze Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven. Brush the honey garlic lemon glaze over each thigh. Optionally, place the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to caramelize the glaze.

  7. Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with lemon slices or chopped parsley if desired.

Servings and Timing

Variations

  • Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a spicy twist.

  • Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the glaze for added depth.

  • Citrus Blend: Combine lemon juice with orange juice for a unique citrus flavor.

  • Boneless Option: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a quicker cooking time.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

  • Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in 1-minute intervals until heated.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they may require a shorter cooking time to prevent drying out.

Is it necessary to use fresh lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the glaze in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before using.

What sides pair well with this dish?

This chicken pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.

How do I ensure the chicken skin stays crispy?

Searing the chicken skin-side down before baking helps achieve a crispy texture. Avoid covering the skillet while baking.

Can I double the glaze recipe?

Yes, doubling the glaze is a great idea if you prefer extra sauce for drizzling over sides.

Print
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Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs with Lemon Glaze

Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs with Lemon Glaze

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  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4-servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

These Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs with Lemon Glaze are bursting with flavor – seasoned, pan-seared chicken thighs with golden crispy skin, finished in a zesty, sweet lemon-honey garlic glaze for an irresistible dinner main.


Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Lemon Honey Garlic Glaze:

  • 3 tablespoons honey

  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1 lemon)

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce

  • 1 tablespoon butter

  • Optional: 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)


Instructions

  • Season the chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry. Season all over with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

  • Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 5–7 minutes until skin is crisp and golden. Flip and cook another 5 minutes.

  • Make the glaze: In a small saucepan, combine honey, lemon juice, garlic, soy sauce, and butter. Simmer for 3–5 minutes. For a thicker glaze, stir in cornstarch slurry and simmer until thickened.

  • Finish chicken: Pour glaze over seared chicken. Cover skillet with foil and transfer to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). Bake for 15–20 minutes or until internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).

  • Serve: Spoon extra glaze over chicken before serving. Garnish with lemon slices or parsley if desired.


Notes

  • Use boneless thighs if preferred, but adjust cook time accordingly.

  • For extra crisp skin, broil for 2–3 minutes after baking.

  • Delicious with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted veggies.

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