Elevate your weeknight dinner routine with Braised Chicken with Lemon and Honeyโa dish that marries tender, golden-browned chicken thighs with a vibrant, citrusy glaze. This one-pan recipe features bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs simmered in a luscious blend of chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and a touch of honey for the perfect balance of tangy and sweet. Aromatic garlic, caramelized onions, and fresh thyme infuse every bite with depth and warmth, while a final swirl of butter elevates the sauce to silky perfection. Ready in under an hour, this comforting yet elegant meal pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up every drop of the rich, flavorful sauce. Perfect for both cozy family dinners and special occasions, this lemony braised chicken is a must-try for anyone craving simple, wholesome, and irresistibly delicious cooking!
Season the chicken thighs on all sides with salt and black pepper.
Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and sear the other side for another 3-4 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Reduce the heat to medium and add the sliced onion to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened and slightly caramelized.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to deglaze. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, and thyme sprigs, mixing well.
Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, placing them skin-side up in the sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the chicken braise for 25 minutes, basting occasionally with the sauce.
Remove the lid and simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
Stir in the butter to enrich the sauce and give it a glossy finish. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper, if needed.
Serve the chicken thighs with the sauce spooned over the top. Pair with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful braising liquid.
Calories |
1829 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 133.3 g | 171% | |
| Saturated Fat | 37.8 g | 189% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 517 mg | 172% | |
| Sodium | 3421 mg | 149% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 54.8 g | 20% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.3 g | 15% | |
| Total Sugars | 40.7 g | ||
| Protein | 114.4 g | 229% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 164 mg | 13% | |
| Iron | 7.9 mg | 44% | |
| Potassium | 1630 mg | 35% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.