These succulent baked chicken thighs are a perfect balance of sweet and savory, thanks to a luscious lemon-honey glaze infused with aromatic rosemary. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

For the Lemon-Honey Glaze:

• 1/4 cup honey
• Zest and juice of 2 lemons
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped

Instructions:

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the Chicken Thighs:
   • Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season them generously with salt and black pepper.
3. Create the Spice Rub:
   • In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme. Rub the spice mixture evenly over each chicken thigh.
4. Sear the Chicken:
   • Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs, skin-side down, until golden brown (about 3-4 minutes per side). This step adds a beautiful crispiness to the skin.

Step 2: Making the Lemon-Honey Glaze

1. Prepare the Glaze:
   • In a small saucepan, combine honey, lemon zest, lemon juice, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and chopped rosemary. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
2. Simmer and Thicken:
   • Allow the glaze to simmer for 5-7 minutes or until it thickens slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Baking the Chicken

1. Brush with Glaze:
   • Brush the seared chicken thighs with the prepared lemon-honey glaze, ensuring an even coating.
2. Bake in the Oven:
   • Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and registers an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
3. Baste During Baking:
   • Baste the chicken with the glaze every 10 minutes for a glossy, flavorful finish.
4. Garnish and Serve:
   • Once baked, garnish the chicken with additional chopped rosemary and lemon slices before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

• Side Harmony:
  • Serve these lemon-honey glazed chicken thighs with roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a side of mashed sweet potatoes for a well-rounded meal.
• Refreshing Contrast:
  • A crisp arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette makes for a perfect light side dish.

Conclusion:

This Lemon-Honey Glazed Baked Chicken Thighs with Rosemary combines the simplicity of baked chicken with the elegance of a citrus-infused glaze. The result is a dish that’s not only visually appealing but also irresistibly delicious. Whether for a family dinner or entertaining guests, these chicken thighs are a testament to the beauty of balanced flavors and easy, yet impressive, cooking.