Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Get ready for an amazing dinner recipe that's perfect for a stress-free mealtime and will make everyone go "Wow!"

These Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs are a super tasty dish. Not only is it super easy to make, but it's also a big hit with the whole family.

Imagine the deliciousness of sweet honey, tangy lemon, and a little kick of pepper all in one bite. It's like a flavor explosion in your mouth!

The chicken thighs have a juicy and tender texture on the inside, while the glaze adds a slightly sticky and crispy texture to the exterior. The contrast between the moist meat and the caramelized glaze is superb.

Whether you're cooking for your family or having friends over, this recipe is guaranteed to impress and have everyone begging for seconds.

If you love your cast iron skillet, check out these Cast Iron Chicken Thighs in Creamy Tomato Sauce, Easy Keto Cast Iron Meatballs and this Sautéed Cast Iron Brussels Sprouts with Bacon.

Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs in a cast iron skillet

Why you'll love this Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Flavorful - These chicken thighs are packed with an abundance of deliciousness that will have you craving more. Every bite bursts with a perfect balance of sweet honey, tangy lemon, and a hint of spiciness from the pepper.
Simple Recipe - these chicken thighs are incredibly easy to make, perfect for those busy weeknights or when you're short on time. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you'll have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
Quick Recipe - Frozen start to finish these delicious cast iron chickn thighs are done in about 15 minutes!

Ingredients

Honey
Lemon juice
Boneless chicken thighs
chicken broth
Seasonings: lemon pepper seasoning, kosher salt

Tips & Tricks

For even more flavor, consider marinating the chicken thighs in the honey mixture for at least 30 minutes prior to cooking.

Make sure to preheat your cast iron skillet before cooking the chicken thighs. This ensures even cooking and helps to achieve a nicely caramelized glaze on the outside.

While cooking, baste the chicken thighs with the glaze occasionally. This helps to keep them moist and enhances the flavor.

To ensure the chicken thighs are cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the thigh.

Allow the cooked chicken thighs to rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier and more tender meat.

Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the cooked chicken thighs for an extra burst of freshness.

How to make Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Add honey, lemon juice, lemon pepper seasoning, and salt in a large bowl. Whisk until the honey is less thick.
Next, add the chicken thighs to the bowl and coat with honey mixture.
Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken thighs for 3 minutes on each side.
Add the chicken broth and scrape the burnt bits with a wooden spoon. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for another 5-6 minutes, coating the chicken with the glaze.
Remove from heat when the chicken thighs reach an internal temperature of 165F.

ingredients in a clear bowl — In a large bowl add the honey, lemon juice, lemon pepper seasoning and salt.

mixed ingredients in a clear bowl — In a large bowl add the honey, lemon juice, lemon pepper seasoning and salt.

Substitutions

If you don't have boneless skinless chicken thighs on hand, you can always use bone in chicken thighs or chicken breasts as a substitute.

What to serve with Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs

Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs pair well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few options to consider:

Roasted vegetables: Serve the honey lemon pepper chicken thighs with this Instant Pot Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower, Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus or these Roasted Potatoes and Green Beans.
Steamed rice: Prepare a fluffy batch of Instant Pot Rice or Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice to serve alongside the chicken thighs. The mildness of the rice acts as a neutral base that allows the flavors of the chicken to shine.
Salad: Create a vibrant salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette dressing. The fresh and crisp salad adds a refreshing contrast to the rich and flavorful chicken thighs.

Looking for even more sides to serve with this easy chicken thigh recipe? Check out these Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts, Air Fryer Broccolini, or this Air Fryer Parmesan Asparagus.

How to store

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

How to reheat

Place leftovers on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 1-2 minutes or until the desired temperature.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken thighs instead of boneless?

Yes, bone-in chicken thighs can be used in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly as bone-in chicken thighs tend to need more time to cook.

Can I substitute lemon juice with another citrus fruit?

While lemon juice provides a distinct tanginess, you can experiment with other citrus fruits such as lime or orange juice. Keep in mind that the flavor profile may differ slightly.

Can I make this dish using chicken breasts?

Although the recipe is designed for chicken thighs, you can use chicken breasts as a substitute. You may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.

How spicy is this dish?

The spiciness of Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs is relatively mild, thanks to the black pepper. If you prefer more heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

Cast Iron Skillet Recipes

If you loved these easy honey lemon pepper chicken thighs in a cast iron skillet, check out these other cast iron skillet recipes.

More Chicken Thigh Recipes to Enjoy

Chicken thighs are incredibly versatile to cook with. Below are some of my favorite chicken thigh recipes.