why make this recipe

Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs are a delicious and easy dish to make. The sweet and tangy flavors of honey and lemon combine perfectly with the spices, creating juicy and flavorful chicken. This recipe is great for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Plus, it’s simple enough for anyone to prepare!

how to make Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Ingredients:

8 chicken thighs
Zest of 2 lemons
Juice of 1 lemon
1 lemon, cut into slices
3 tbsp honey
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
1 tsp red chili flakes
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp mustard powder

Directions:

Prepare the Chicken:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if you are using the oven-baked method.
In a bowl, mix together the lemon juice, honey, olive oil, salt, black pepper, red chili flakes, paprika, garlic powder, mustard powder, and lemon zest.
Coat the chicken thighs with the marinade. Let them sit for about 30 minutes to soak in the flavors.

Oven-Baked Method:

Place the marinated chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Arrange the lemon slices on top of the chicken.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice golden color.

Air Fryer Method:

Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
Place the marinated chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and crispy.

how to serve Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Serve Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs with a side of rice or quinoa, and a salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. The extra lemon slices can be used as a garnish. This dish looks great on a plate and tastes even better!

how to store Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

To store leftover Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs, let them cool completely. Place them in an airtight container and store in the fridge. They will keep well for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw them in the fridge before reheating.

tips to make Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken thighs overnight.
You can adjust the amount of honey depending on how sweet you like your chicken.
Make sure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.

variation

You can add your favorite vegetables to the baking sheet or air fryer, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to make the meal even more colorful and nutritious. Additionally, feel free to swap out chicken thighs for drumsticks or breasts, adjusting the cooking time as needed.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but adjust the cooking time as breasts will cook faster than thighs.

What can I serve with this dish?

This chicken pairs well with rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Absolutely! You can increase the amount of red chili flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.

Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Print Recipe

A delicious and easy dish featuring juicy chicken thighs marinated in a sweet and tangy honey-lemon sauce with spices.

Author: lila-monroe
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 70 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking, Air Frying
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

Scale

8 chicken thighs
Zest of 2 lemons
Juice of 1 lemon
1 lemon, cut into slices
3 tbsp honey
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
1 tsp red chili flakes
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp mustard powder

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if you are using the oven-baked method.
In a bowl, mix together the lemon juice, honey, olive oil, salt, black pepper, red chili flakes, paprika, garlic powder, mustard powder, and lemon zest.
Coat the chicken thighs with the marinade. Let them sit for about 30 minutes to soak in the flavors.
For the oven-baked method, place the marinated chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and arrange the lemon slices on top. Bake for 35-40 minutes until cooked through and golden.
For the air fryer method, preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and place the marinated chicken thighs in the basket. Cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through and crispy.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken thighs overnight. You can adjust the amount of honey to your taste. Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 400
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: chicken, honey lemon, easy dinner, weeknight meal, air fryer chicken