Juicy, flavorful, and irresistibly balanced, Sweet and Spicy Herbed Chicken is the perfect dish to elevate your weeknight dinner or impress guests at a casual gathering. This recipe features tender boneless, skinless chicken thighs infused with a bold marinade of honey, soy sauce, and lemon juice, while a medley of smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, fresh thyme, and dried oregano adds a tantalizing blend of sweetness, heat, and herbaceous depth. The chicken is seared to golden perfection in a skillet, creating a sticky caramelized coating that bursts with flavor in every bite. Ready in under an hour, including prep and cook time, this dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or fluffy steamed rice, making it as versatile as it is delicious. Whether you're craving a quick weekday meal or an aromatic centerpiece, this recipe delivers bold flavors and delightful textures that will please any palate. Perfect for fans of sweet-and-spicy recipes, herbed chicken, and easy dinner ideas!
Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag.
In a small mixing bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, fresh thyme leaves, salt, and black pepper.
Drizzle olive oil, honey, soy sauce, and lemon juice over the chicken thighs, then sprinkle the spice blend evenly over the meat.
Massage the marinade into the chicken until it is evenly coated. Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator, or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor.
Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a little olive oil to the pan.
Cook the chicken thighs for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are caramelized and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
Remove the chicken from the pan and transfer it to a serving plate. Let it rest for 5 minutes to retain juices.
Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Serve warm with your choice of sides, such as roasted vegetables or steamed rice.
Calories |
1335 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 73.1 g | 94% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.5 g | 82% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 500 mg | 167% | |
| Sodium | 3875 mg | 168% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 61.6 g | 22% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.2 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 52.8 g | ||
| Protein | 108.7 g | 217% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.7 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 107 mg | 8% | |
| Iron | 6.6 mg | 37% | |
| Potassium | 1300 mg | 28% | |
*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.