Description
Honey Garlic Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender boneless, skinless chicken thighs marinated and cooked in a zesty honey garlic lemon pepper sauce. This recipe combines the sweetness of honey with the brightness of lemon and the robust kick of cracked black pepper, creating a perfect balance of tastes that make it a delicious weeknight dinner option.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Marinade & Sauce:
- ¼ cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp cracked black pepper (about 40 cracks)
- 2 ¼ tsp kosher salt, or to taste
Garnish:
- Minced parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, lemon juice, cracked black pepper, and kosher salt until well combined to create a flavorful marinade and sauce.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs in a shallow dish or ziplock bag and pour the marinade over them. Toss the chicken to coat evenly and let it marinate for at least 20 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for more intense flavor.
- Heat the Pan: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat until shimmering, ensuring it’s hot enough to sear the chicken properly.
- Cook the Chicken: Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade (reserve the marinade) and add them to the hot pan in a single layer. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on one side until golden brown and crispy.
- Flip and Add Sauce: Flip the chicken thighs and pour the reserved marinade over them. Continue cooking for another 5-6 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The sauce will thicken and coat the chicken beautifully.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes. Spoon extra sauce from the pan over the chicken and garnish with minced parsley if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For best results, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs as they stay juicy and tender while cooking.
- You can adjust the amount of cracked black pepper to taste depending on how spicy and peppery you like the dish.
- Make sure to cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
- If you prefer less sauce, reduce the honey or lemon juice slightly.
Keywords: Honey Garlic Chicken, Lemon Pepper Chicken, Chicken Thighs Recipe, Easy Dinner, Quick Chicken Recipe