Big Honey Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Thighs

Big Honey Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe

What You’ll Need:

For the Chicken:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless if preferred)
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2–3 sprigs fresh rosemary (plus more for garnish)

For the Honey Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional, adds a tangy depth)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp paprika (for a little color and flavor)

How to Make It:

1. Prep the Chicken:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels (for crispy skin!).
• Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.

2. Sear for Flavor:

• In an oven-safe skillet or frying pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
• Sear the chicken thighs, skin side down, for 4–5 minutes until golden brown.
• Flip and sear the other side for 2–3 minutes.
• Remove chicken and set aside.

3. Make the Sauce:

• In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium.
• Add butter and let it melt.
• Toss in the garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Stir in honey, mustard, soy sauce, lemon juice, and paprika.
• Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

4. Bake to Perfection:

• Return the chicken thighs to the pan, skin side up. Spoon sauce over the top.
• Sprinkle rosemary leaves on and around the chicken.
• Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally and the skin is caramelized.

5. Broil (Optional but Awesome):

• Broil on high for 2–3 minutes to get that sticky golden top.

To Serve:

• Spoon extra sauce over the chicken.
• Garnish with more fresh rosemary.
• Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted veggies to soak up the sauce!

Tips:

• Want a spicier version? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• No rosemary? Try thyme or parsley.
• Boneless chicken? Reduce baking time to 20–22 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This:

• Sweet, savory, garlicky, and buttery all at once.
• Super juicy inside, caramelized on the outside.
• Makes your kitchen smell like a dream!