Prepare to transform your weeknight dinner from ordinary to extraordinary with this mouthwatering Lemon Garlic Glazed Chicken! Imagine tender, crispy chicken thighs glistening with a bright, tangy glaze that will make your taste buds dance with joy. This restaurant-quality dish looks impressive but comes together in just 35 minutes, proving that gourmet meals can be both simple and spectacular. Whether you're a busy home cook or a culinary enthusiast, this recipe promises to become your new go-to meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 cups cooked rice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and is hot but not smoking.
- Carefully place chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet, allowing them to develop a golden-brown crispy exterior. Cook for 5-6 minutes without moving.
- Flip the chicken thighs and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes on the other side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside, keeping warm. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Pour in lemon juice and honey, stirring to combine and scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 1-2 minutes to create a light glaze.
- Return chicken to the skillet and spoon the lemon-garlic glaze over the top, coating each piece evenly.
- Serve hot over prepared rice, drizzling any remaining glaze from the pan over the chicken and rice.
Tips
- Pat the chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in maximum flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) without overcooking.
- For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate in the lemon-garlic mixture for 30 minutes before cooking if you have time.
- Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for the most succulent and flavorful results.
- Don't rush the browning process - letting the chicken develop a nice golden crust takes about 5-6 minutes per side.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest, most vibrant flavor in your glaze.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, you can mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with the lemon juice and honey before adding to the pan.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 120mg
