Honey-Glazed Chicken with Lemon and Thyme

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

Tender chicken thighs glazed in a sweet-tart honey-lemon sauce with aromatic thyme, perfect for weeknight dinners. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs boneless, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Pat 4 chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs and sear for 3 minutes per side until golden brown.
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. Add 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp dried thyme, and a pinch of salt to the skillet; whisk to combine and simmer for 1 minute until slightly thickened.
  4. Step 4: Return chicken to the skillet, spooning glaze over each piece. Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 15 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
  5. Step 5: Remove from oven, sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Honey-Glazed Chicken with Lemon 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 Honey-Glazed Chicken with Lemon 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Honey-Glazed Chicken with Lemon 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 Honey-Glazed Chicken with Lemon 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 Honey-Glazed Chicken with Lemon and Thyme?

American 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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