Honey Garlic Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Easy Honey Garlic Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs: My Go-To Weeknight Winner

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This recipe was born on a busy Wednesday when I had chicken thighs and not much else. Now? It’s the dinner my kids beg for. The secret lies in getting that skin super crispy while keeping the meat juicy, and a sauce that’ll make you want to lick the plate (no judgment, I’ve done it!).

What You’ll Need

The Chicken:

  • 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

That Amazing Sauce:

  • 6 cloves garlic, minced (yes, really!)
  • 1/3 cup honey (local if you can get it)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)
Honey Garlic Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Let’s Cook

  1. Prep (10 mins)
    • Pat chicken super dry
    • Season generously
    • Let come to room temp
    • Heat oven to 400°F
  2. Get That Crispy Skin (12 mins)
    • Heat large skillet until very hot
    • Place thighs skin-side down
    • Don’t touch for 6-7 minutes!
    • Flip and sear other side
  3. Make the Sauce (5 mins)
    • Remove chicken
    • Lower heat, add garlic
    • Add honey, lemon, broth
    • Simmer until thickened
  4. Finish in Oven (20-25 mins)
    • Return chicken to pan
    • Spoon sauce over top
    • Bake until done (165°F)
    • Baste halfway through

Game-Changing Tips

  • Really dry that chicken skin
  • Don’t move the chicken while searing
  • Use a meat thermometer
  • Let rest 5-10 minutes
  • Save extra sauce for drizzling
Honey Garlic Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Common Questions

“Skin not crispy?” Pat dry, high heat, don’t crowd pan.

“No oven-safe skillet?” Transfer to baking dish, but add extra sauce.

“Too sweet?” Add more lemon or soy sauce.

Perfect Pairings

Serve with:

  • Rice (for soaking up sauce)
  • Roasted vegetables
  • Steamed broccoli
  • Asian slaw
  • Extra lemon wedges

The Real Deal

This chicken has saved dinner countless times. It’s fancy enough for company but easy enough for weeknights. The sauce hits all the right notes – sweet, tangy, garlicky – and that crispy skin? Better than any restaurant version I’ve had.

Pro tip: Double the sauce. Trust me, you’ll want extra for drizzling over everything on your plate!

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