Golden Honey-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Citrus and Thyme

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

Pan-seared chicken thighs glazed with a honey-citrus sauce and infused with fresh thyme for a golden, flavorful entree. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 6, 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: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and season both sides with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 6-7 minutes until skin is crispy and deep golden brown.
  3. Step 3: Flip chicken and cook for 5 minutes more until cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  4. Step 4: Lower heat to medium and add 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 3 tbsp honey, 2 tsp chopped fresh thyme, 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 1/3 cup chicken broth. Simmer the glaze for 4-5 minutes until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Step 6: Return chicken thighs to the skillet, spoon the honey-citrus glaze over them, and cook for 2 more minutes to meld flavors.
  7. Step 7: Serve chicken thighs drizzled with extra glaze alongside your choice of sides.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Golden Honey-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Citrus and Thyme take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Golden Honey-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Citrus 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 salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Golden Honey-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Citrus 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 Golden Honey-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Citrus and Thyme for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Golden Honey-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Citrus 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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