Honey, Garlic, and Lemon Glazed Chicken

Ingredients

• 6 chicken thighs (skin-on)
• 1.5 tbsp paprika (smoked or sweet)
• salt (to taste)
• black pepper (freshly ground, generous amount)
• lemon juice (a few drops for the marinade)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (to massage the chicken and for the skillet)
• 1 tbsp butter
• 3 fresh garlic (finely minced)
• 4 tbsp honey
• 1.5 lemon juice (juice of 1 1/2 lemons)
• 1 lemon zest (zest of 1 lemon)
• 2 tbsp water (optional, to adjust the texture)
• dried chili (optional (cayenne pepper or chili flakes) for a spicy touch)

Steps

1. 1

   In a bowl, season the chicken thighs with the paprika, salt, a generous amount of black pepper, a few drops of lemon juice, and a drizzle of olive oil.

2. 2

   Massage the chicken well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.

3. 3

   Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a little bit of oil.

4. 4

   Place the chicken in the skillet skin-side down and sear it without moving until the skin is well caramelized and crispy.

5. 5

   While the chicken is browning, finely mince the garlic cloves.

6. 6

   Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet (or a clean one if there is too much burnt residue), add the butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.

7. 7

   Prepare the glaze by mixing the honey, the juice of 1 1/2 lemons, the lemon zest, salt, pepper, and the spicy touch (dried chili or cayenne) if desired.

8. 8

   Pour the glaze mixture into the skillet with the garlic. If the sauce seems too thick, add 1 or 2 tablespoons of water to adjust the texture.

9. 9

   Return the chicken to the skillet, basting it with the sauce. You can add extra lemon slices for garnish and more flavor.

10. 10

    Cook over low heat until the sauce reduces and thickens, and the chicken is completely cooked through (reaching an internal temperature of 74°C / 165°F).

11. 11

    Serve the chicken drizzled with the caramelized glaze from the skillet.

Notes

For optimal results, make sure the skillet is very hot before adding the chicken to achieve that crispy skin. You can serve this dish with white rice or a fresh salad.

Nutrition per serving

• chicken
• main course
• glaze
• honey and lemon
• dinner
• easy