Prepare to experience a symphony of flavors with "Happiness Shows Through Your Tears When You Eat This Chicken," a soul-warming dish that balances spice, sweetness, and zesty brightness. Juicy, golden-crisp bone-in chicken thighs are seared to perfection and then bathed in a luscious sauce made with honey, sriracha, and a hint of fresh lemon juice for an irresistible kick. The smoky paprika and garlic powder add layers of bold seasoning, while butter brings rich, velvety indulgence to every bite. Finished in the oven to lock in tenderness, this dish is elegantly garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of aroma and color. Perfectly paired with rice, mashed potatoes, or a vibrant salad, this 40-minute chicken recipe is your go-to for a mouthwatering, crowd-pleasing meal that's as exciting as its name.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season them on both sides with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
In a large oven-safe skillet or cast-iron pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the pan and sear them for about 4-5 minutes, or until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip the chicken and sear the other side for 2-3 minutes.
Remove the chicken temporarily from the skillet and set it aside. Discard excess oil from the pan, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add butter, honey, sriracha, and lemon juice. Stir until everything is combined and the sauce begins to bubble gently.
Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up, and spoon some of the sauce over the top.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to absorb some of the sauce.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Pair with rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad for the perfect meal.
Calories |
2169 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 151.5 g | 194% | |
| Saturated Fat | 46.1 g | 231% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 762 mg | 254% | |
| Sodium | 6138 mg | 267% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 46.7 g | 17% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.7 g | 6% | |
| Total Sugars | 41.2 g | ||
| Protein | 163.5 g | 327% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 127 mg | 10% | |
| Iron | 9.7 mg | 54% | |
| Potassium | 1815 mg | 39% | |
*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.