Honey Lemon Garlic Chicken Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To achieve a more intense flavor, you can marinate the chicken in the garlic and honey mixture for up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator before searing.

However, ensure you wipe off the excess garlic before placing the chicken in the pan to prevent the garlic from burning during the searing stage; you can add the garlic back in when you pour the sauce over.

If you prefer a more pronounced lemon flavor, you can add a teaspoon of fresh lemon zest to the honey-garlic mixture before pouring it over the chicken.

The zest adds an aromatic brightness that balances the sweetness of the honey. Be sure to use organic lemons if possible to avoid any waxy residue on the skin when using the zest or the slices.

Variations

• Spicy Honey Garlic: Add a tablespoon of red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of your favorite hot sauce to the honey and garlic mixture for a pleasant heat that cuts through the sweetness.
• Herb-Infused Glaze: Incorporate a tablespoon of fresh chopped thyme or oregano into the honey sauce to add an earthy, aromatic layer that pairs perfectly with the lemon and garlic.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze for up to 1 month in a sealed container.

Reheat

Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through and the skin crisps up again.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the chicken has cooled to room temperature for no more than 2 hours before placing it into the fridge.

Keeping the chicken in its original pan covered with foil or in a sealed glass container helps prevent it from drying out during storage.

You can prepare the honey-garlic glaze and slice the lemons up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator.

The chicken can also be seasoned with salt and pepper and kept in the fridge, but for the best texture, sear and roast the chicken fresh just before serving to maintain the crispness of the skin.

Serving ideas

This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides that can soak up the excess honey lemon glaze. Consider serving it with fluffy jasmine rice, quinoa, or roasted baby potatoes. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette also provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the sticky chicken thighs.

For a more substantial meal, serve the chicken alongside steamed asparagus or roasted broccoli. The slight bitterness of the greens complements the sweet and tangy glaze. Ensure you drizzle any remaining sauce from the bottom of the skillet over the chicken and the sides just before serving to maximize the flavor.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Honey Lemon Garlic Chicken

Prep 10 minCook 35 minRest 5 minTotal 50 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 4 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup honey
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large lemon, sliced into rounds
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in a cold oven-safe skillet. Turn the heat to medium-high and sear until the skin is golden brown and crispy, about 8 to 10 minutes. Flip the chicken over once the skin releases easily from the pan.
2. While the chicken finishes searing, mix the honey and minced garlic in a small bowl. Pour the mixture over the chicken in the skillet, ensuring the thighs are well coated. Arrange the lemon slices and rosemary sprigs around the chicken in the pan.
3. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

450

Protein

32 g

Carbohydrates

22 g

Fat

24 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

20 g

Sodium

350 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.