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Crispy Baked Honey Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs

crispy baked honey lemon garlic chicken thighs - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for crispy baked chicken thighs glazed with a sticky honey lemon garlic sauce, delivering a savory crunch and juicy interior perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 46 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (1.5 to 2 pounds)
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Kosher salt, about 1 teaspoon
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, about 1/2 teaspoon
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Prep the Marinade (5 minutes): In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, olive oil, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
  2. Prepare the Chicken (5 minutes): Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Place chicken in the bowl with marinade and toss to coat all sides. Let sit while preheating oven or refrigerate up to 30 minutes for deeper flavor.
  3. Preheat Oven and Setup Rack (5 minutes): Heat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Place a wire rack on top and lightly oil it to prevent sticking.
  4. Arrange Chicken (2 minutes): Place marinated chicken thighs skin-side up on the wire rack, spacing evenly. Drizzle any extra marinade over the top.
  5. Bake (30-35 minutes): Bake until skin is golden and crispy and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Check at 30 minutes to avoid overcooking.
  6. Rest (5 minutes): Remove from oven and let chicken rest on the rack for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken skin dry before marinating to ensure crispiness. Use a wire rack to allow air circulation and fat drainage. For extra crispiness, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end but watch carefully to avoid burning. Marinate up to 30 minutes or overnight for deeper flavor. Rest chicken after baking to lock in juices.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken thighs, baked chicken, honey lemon garlic chicken, crispy chicken, easy dinner, weeknight recipe, savory chicken, gluten-free