Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs with Lemon Glaze

Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs with Lemon Glaze 🍋🍗

These Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs are a flavor-packed dish that combines golden, crispy skin with a sticky-sweet honey garlic glaze and a zesty lemon finish. Perfectly juicy on the inside and irresistibly crispy on the outside, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The bright citrus notes from the lemon balance the rich, savory flavors, making it a dish you’ll want to make again and again.

Let’s dive into how to make these mouthwatering chicken thighs step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Golden & Crispy : Skin-on chicken thighs seared to perfection for maximum crunch.
2. Flavorful Glaze : Sweet, tangy, and garlicky sauce with a hint of lemon zest for brightness.
3. One-Pan Wonder : Minimal cleanup with an oven-safe skillet.
4. Customizable : Adjust sweetness or spice levels to suit your taste.
5. Perfect for Any Occasion : Great for family dinners, date nights, or meal prepping.

Ingredients

(Serves 4)

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 Honey Garlic Lemon Glaze:

• 1/3 cup honey
• 4 cloves garlic , minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (optional, for thickening )

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley , chopped
• Lemon slices

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
2. Season both sides generously with salt , black pepper , garlic powder , and paprika .

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat .
2. Sear the chicken thighs skin-side down for 5–6 minutes , or until golden brown and crispy.
3. Flip the chicken and cook the other side for 3 minutes .

Step 3: Bake the Chicken

1. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven (400°F/200°C ) and bake for 20–25 minutes , or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) .

Step 4: Make the Glaze

1. While the chicken bakes, prepare the glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the honey , minced garlic , soy sauce , lemon juice , lemon zest , and apple cider vinegar .
2. Simmer over medium heat for 5–6 minutes , stirring occasionally.
   • Optional : If you prefer a thicker glaze, stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Glaze and Rest

1. Remove the chicken from the oven and spoon the warm glaze generously over each thigh.
2. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish with fresh parsley or lemon slices if desired.
2. Serve hot and enjoy the crispy, sweet, and tangy goodness of these Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs !

Tips for Success

1. Dry the Chicken Well : Removing excess moisture ensures crispy skin when searing.
2. Use Fresh Lemon : Fresh lemon juice and zest provide brighter, more vibrant flavor than bottled alternatives.
3. Adjust Sweetness : Add a drizzle of honey or a pinch of sugar if you prefer a sweeter glaze.
4. Storage : Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days . Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to retain crispiness.
5. Freeze for Later : Freeze cooked chicken thighs (without glaze) for up to 3 months . Reheat and add fresh glaze before serving.

Perfect Pairings

These Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs pair beautifully with:

• Roasted Vegetables : Serve with roasted broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts for added nutrition.
• Mashed Potatoes : Creamy mashed potatoes soak up the flavorful glaze perfectly.
• Rice or Quinoa : A bed of rice or quinoa balances the richness of the chicken.
• Green Salad : A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)

(Based on 4 servings)

• Calories : ~420 kcal
• Protein : ~30g
• Carbohydrates : ~20g
• Fat : ~25g
• Fiber : ~1g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

These Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs with Lemon Glaze are a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, all wrapped up in a crispy, golden package. Whether you’re serving them for dinner, entertaining guests, or simply craving something indulgent yet easy to make, this recipe is sure to impress.

The best part? It’s endlessly customizable, so you can tweak the glaze, adjust spices, or pair it with different sides to make it your own. So grab your skillet, sear those thighs, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.