Description
A flavorful and easy Honey Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe featuring tender, juicy chicken thighs glazed with a sweet and tangy sauce made from honey, lemon juice, soy sauce, and garlic. This dish is seared to develop a crispy skin and baked to perfection, garnished with fresh lemon slices and green onions for a bright finish.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 5 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 pinch salt (to taste)
Sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (fresh squeezed or juice of 1 lemon)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- 2 heaping tablespoons minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
Additional
- 6 cloves garlic (peeled, whole)
- 4 lemon slices (and zest, for garnish)
- 1 handful green onions (sliced, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 360°F (180°C) to prepare for baking the chicken thighs.
- Season Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large shallow dish and season generously with salt. Set aside to allow the salt to penetrate the meat.
- Make Sauce and Marinate: In a large mixing jug, whisk together honey, lemon juice, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and minced garlic until well combined. Pour about 1/4 cup of this sauce over the chicken, rotating each piece to ensure even coating.
- Sear Chicken: Heat an oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and sear until the skin is golden and crispy, about 5 minutes. Flip and sear the other side briefly. Drain excess oil, leaving about 1 tablespoon for flavor.
- Bake Chicken: Arrange chicken skin-side up in the skillet. Nestle whole garlic cloves between the chicken pieces. Pour half of the remaining sauce evenly over the chicken (1-2 tablespoons per piece). Bake in the oven for 40-45 minutes, until cooked through and juices run clear, with crispy, sticky skin.
- Reduce Sauce: Meanwhile, pour the remaining sauce into a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low. Simmer, stirring occasionally, lifting the pot off heat if it bubbles over, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 6 minutes.
- Serve: Serve the baked chicken thighs with the reduced sauce drizzled on top. Garnish with lemon zest, lemon slices, and sliced green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- Use bone-in skin-on chicken thighs for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust salt according to your taste preference.
- Make sure to sear the chicken skin well to get a crispy texture before baking.
- Keep an eye on the sauce while reducing to prevent burning or overflowing.
- Serve with steamed rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American