Honey Garlic Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs Recipe
These Honey Garlic Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs are a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Juicy boneless skinless chicken thighs are marinated and cooked in a flavorful mixture of honey, garlic, lemon juice, black pepper, and kosher salt, resulting in tender, aromatic chicken suitable for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
Marinade & Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 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 Chicken: Start by patting the boneless skinless chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. This helps the marinade stick better and ensures even cooking.
- Make the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, minced garlic, lemon juice, cracked black pepper, and kosher salt until well combined. This mixture will infuse the chicken with a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Refrigerate and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 1-2 hours, to absorb the flavors fully.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken thighs along with some of the marinade. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce has thickened into a glaze.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the skillet and place on a serving plate. Spoon any remaining glaze from the pan over the chicken and garnish with minced parsley if desired. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
- If you prefer, bake the chicken thighs at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes instead of pan-cooking.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste based on dietary preferences.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best tangy flavor.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
Keywords: Honey Garlic Chicken, Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs, Easy Chicken Recipe, Quick Dinner, Pan-Fried Chicken