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Honey Lemon Garlic Chicken

This one-pan Honey Lemon Garlic Chicken is the perfect harmony of sweet, tangy, and savory. Crispy golden chicken thighs are oven-baked in a sticky glaze of fresh lemon juice, honey, soy sauce, and garlic, making every bite juicy, tender, and loaded with flavor.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 5

Ingredients
  

  • 5 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs)
  • Salt to taste
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 6 whole garlic cloves peeled
  • Lemon zest and slices for garnish
  • Sliced green onions optional garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 360°F.
  • Pat chicken thighs dry and season with salt.
  • In a bowl, whisk together honey, lemon juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and minced garlic.
  • Pour about 1/4 cup of the sauce over chicken and turn to coat evenly.
  • Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken skin-side down until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Flip and sear the other side.
  • Remove excess fat from the pan, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
  • Place chicken skin-side up in the skillet. Add whole garlic cloves and lemon slices around the chicken.
  • Pour half of the remaining sauce over the thighs.
  • Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until chicken is fully cooked and skin is crispy.
  • While chicken bakes, simmer the rest of the sauce in a small saucepan for 5–6 minutes, until reduced and sticky.
  • Spoon extra sauce over chicken before serving. Garnish with lemon zest and sliced green onions.

Notes

  • For extra-crispy skin, broil the chicken for 1–2 minutes at the end.
  • Don’t skip the sauce reduction—it adds a thick, flavorful glaze.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (165°F at thickest point).
  • Serve with rice to soak up the delicious sauce.