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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.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time55 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.