Name: Honey Garlic Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup honey; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; lemon slices and chopped parsley

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If you’re on the hunt for a one-skillet dinner that’s bursting with flavor and brings a little zing to your weeknight meals, you have to meet these Honey Garlic Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs. This dish swaddles juicy, tender chicken in a sticky, caramelized sauce that’s equal parts sweet, tangy, and a tiny bit peppery. Every bite showcases golden-crisp skin and a bright finish thanks to fresh lemon juice, making it perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself to a truly memorable meal.

Honey Garlic Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Honey Garlic Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs is how a few well-chosen ingredients deliver such dynamic flavor. Each element builds on the others, creating a dish that’s both simple to prepare and impossible to forget.

Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (6): Keep the skin — it gets irresistibly crispy and juicy in the oven!
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Gives the chicken that gorgeous golden sear and a hint of fruitiness.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the savory notes.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds gentle heat and depth to every bite.
Lemon pepper seasoning (1 teaspoon): For extra citrus punch and a peppery kick — you’ll love the brightness!
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Aromatic and totally essential for that signature flavor.
Honey (1/4 cup): Gives the sauce its sticky sweetness that caramelizes beautifully.
Fresh lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Cuts through the richness and lifts everything with a tangy pop.
Soy sauce (1 tablespoon): A touch of umami and saltiness to balance the sauce.
Unsalted butter (1 tablespoon): Enriches the sauce and brings a silky finish.
Lemon slices & chopped parsley (for garnish): Totally optional, but they make your platter look extra inviting and fresh.

How to Make Honey Garlic Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to transfer the chicken. Grab your chicken thighs and pat them really dry with paper towels — this is key for that crispy skin! Next, sprinkle both sides with salt, black pepper, and the lemon pepper seasoning. Don’t be afraid to really massage those flavors in; trust me, it’s worth getting your hands in there!

Step 2: Sear to Golden Perfection

Set a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. When it’s shimmering, nestle in those seasoned chicken thighs, skin-side down. Let them sizzle, undisturbed, for about 5–6 minutes. You’re looking for a deep golden crust, so resist the urge to flip too early. Once perfect, flip and give the other side a quick 2–3 minute sear, then transfer the chicken to a plate (it’ll finish cooking in the oven).

Step 3: Create the Sweet & Tangy Sauce

Turn the heat down to medium and, in the same skillet, toss in your minced garlic. Stir for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant — don’t let it burn! Now pour in the honey, lemon juice, and soy sauce, stirring to lift up all those tasty brown bits from the pan. Let it bubble gently for 1–2 minutes, then swirl in the butter. In a flash, the sauce will go all glossy and slightly thick.

Step 4: Return Chicken & Bake

Pop the chicken thighs back into the skillet, skin-side up, and give each one a spoonful of that incredible sauce. Slide the skillet into your preheated oven. Bake for about 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and the skin is crispy and bubbling.

Step 5: Baste and Finish

Once it’s out of the oven, baste the chicken with the pan sauce for a glossy, sticky finish. Sprinkle on chopped parsley and a few lemon slices if you’re feeling fancy. Serve hot and watch everyone swoon over your Honey Garlic Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs!

How to Serve Honey Garlic Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Garnishes

For a dazzling presentation, scatter vibrant chopped parsley over the chicken and tuck in a few fresh lemon slices right before serving. The greenery and citrus make your platter pop, turning it into a showstopper that looks as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

These Honey Garlic Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs pair perfectly with fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or roasted baby potatoes — anything that soaks up the extra sauce. Don’t overlook lightly steamed green beans or broccoli for a crisp, fresh contrast!

Creative Ways to Present

If you love to wow your family or guests, try serving the chicken family-style in the skillet right from the oven: it keeps everything hot and rustic. Or, take advantage of leftovers: shred the chicken for wraps or layer on salad greens with a drizzle of the honey garlic-lemon sauce as dressing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Honey Garlic Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs are pure gold for next-day lunches. Pop any cooled leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce keeps the chicken juicy, so it reheats beautifully!

Freezing

This dish also freezes well. Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, squeezing out excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months — just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a fuss-free meal.

Reheating

To keep skins crisp, reheat the thighs in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works too, though the skin might lose its crunch. Spoon over extra sauce to keep everything moist and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs work great with this recipe — just keep an eye on bake time, as they’ll cook through in 15–18 minutes. While you’ll miss some crispiness from the skin, the flavors still soak in perfectly.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, Honey Garlic Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs are naturally gluten-free, provided you use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Just double-check your labels if allergies are a concern!

Can I substitute chicken breasts?

You can swap thighs for chicken breasts, but note that they may cook faster and won’t be quite as juicy. If you try this, bake for 15–20 minutes, checking for doneness at 165°F.

How do I get perfectly crispy skin?

Make sure to pat the thighs dry, sear them skin-side down without moving, and bake at a high temperature. Once baked, a final baste with the sauce gives you both flavor and gloss.

What can I use instead of butter?

If you’re dairy-free, swap in a dairy-free buttery spread or a drizzle of extra olive oil. The sauce will still be luscious and flavorful!

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to discover your new go-to chicken recipe, give these Honey Garlic Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs a whirl. It’s that perfect combo of sweet, tangy, and savory — guaranteed to make any night feel special. I can’t wait for you to try it and share just how much you loved every saucy, zesty bite!

Honey Garlic Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4.9 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Tender and flavorful Honey Garlic Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs feature a sweet and savory glaze that perfectly complements the juicy chicken. This easy-to-make dish is a delightful combination of honey, garlic, and lemon flavors with a hint of pepper, creating a mouthwatering meal that’s perfect for any day of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Thighs:

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

Sauce:

4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Garnish (optional):

lemon slices and chopped parsley

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Season the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry and season both sides with salt, black pepper, and lemon pepper seasoning.
Sear the chicken: Sear the chicken thighs in a skillet until golden brown, then transfer to a plate.
Make the sauce: Sauté garlic, then add honey, lemon juice, soy sauce, and butter. Simmer until slightly thickened.
Bake: Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and bake until cooked through.
Garnish and serve: Baste with more sauce, garnish with lemon slices and parsley, and serve hot.