Honey-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Lemon
Tender chicken thighs coated in a sweet-tangy honey-lemon glaze, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. This american-inspired quick meals (gluten-free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs boneless and skinless chicken thighs, olive oil, honey for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs, boneless and skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp (from 1 lemon) lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 1.5 lbs chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season evenly with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 350°F).
- Step 3: Add chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side down, and cook for 5 minutes until golden brown and crispy, then flip and cook for 3 minutes more.
- Step 4: Whisk together 2 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder in a small bowl.
- Step 5: Pour the honey mixture over the chicken, swirling to coat evenly, then transfer the skillet to a preheated 400°F oven.
- Step 6: Bake for 15-18 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the sauce is bubbling and slightly thickened, basting once halfway through.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Honey-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Lemon 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 Honey-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Lemon?
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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Honey-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Lemon?
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 Honey-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Lemon 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.
Is Honey-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Lemon gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 25-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 25-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
