Lower Fat Honey Lemon Chicken Thighs
Indulge in the vibrant, tangy-sweet flavors of Lower Fat Honey Lemon Chicken Thighs, a light yet satisfying dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. This recipe features tender, juicy boneless, skinless chicken thighs marinated in a zesty blend of fresh lemon juice, honey, garlic, and low-sodium soy sauce, creating the perfect balance of savory and sweet. A touch of paprika and lemon zest enhances the flavor profile, while a quick marinade keeps the prep simple and efficient. Cooked to golden perfection in a nonstick skillet and finished with a luscious honey-lemon glaze, this dish is both lower in fat and bursting with flavor. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color, and serve alongside steamed vegetables, fluffy rice, or your favorite wholesome sides. Healthy, flavorful, and easy to make, this recipe is sure to become a go-to for guilt-free indulgence!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- 0.25 teaspoon salt (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, fresh lemon juice, low-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, ground black pepper, paprika, and optional salt until well combined. Stir in the lemon zest.
Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel and place them in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken, reserving the other half for later.
Seal the bag or cover the dish and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
Preheat a large nonstick skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Lightly coat the surface with a thin layer of olive oil or cooking spray if needed.
Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and place the thighs in the hot skillet. Discard the used marinade.
Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 5-7 minutes on the other side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the thighs.
Meanwhile, heat the reserved marinade in a small saucepan over low heat until it simmers gently and thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
Once the chicken is cooked through, brush the thickened marinade over the chicken thighs for a flavorful glaze.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm alongside steamed vegetables, rice, or your favorite side dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1124 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 58.3 g | 75% | |
| Saturated Fat | 14.2 g | 71% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 500 mg | 167% | |
| Sodium | 1407 mg | 61% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 41.8 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.3 g | 5% | |
| Total Sugars | 35.4 g | ||
| Protein | 107.0 g | 214% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.7 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 80 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 5.1 mg | 28% | |
| Potassium | 1085 mg | 23% | |
*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.
