Baked Citrus-Honey Chicken with Garlic and Thyme

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy baked chicken thighs glazed with a citrus-honey marinade, garlic, and fresh thyme — perfect for a comforting meal when feeling under the weather. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 60 minutes pairs bone-in skin-on chicken thighs, fresh orange juice, fresh lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 3 tbsp honey, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to form a marinade.
  2. Step 2: Place 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs in a baking dish and pour the marinade over them, turning to coat evenly. Let marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature.
  3. Step 3: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, basting with pan juices halfway through, until skin is golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  4. Step 4: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with the citrus glaze spooned over. This dish offers vitamin C and natural sweetness to help support recovery.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Citrus-Honey Chicken with Garlic and Thyme take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (20 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Baked Citrus-Honey Chicken with Garlic and Thyme?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep fresh orange juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Citrus-Honey Chicken with Garlic and Thyme?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baked Citrus-Honey Chicken with Garlic and Thyme for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Baked Citrus-Honey Chicken with Garlic and Thyme?

Mediterranean chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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