Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with "The Bombdiggity Chicken"βa flavor-packed recipe that combines crispy, golden-brown chicken thighs with a zesty, smoky marinade you wonβt be able to resist. Featuring a mouthwatering blend of fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, honey, and a dash of red pepper flakes for optional heat, this dish brings the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory in every bite. The seared and oven-baked cooking technique locks in juiciness while delivering irresistibly crispy skin, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Ready in under an hour, this versatile recipe pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for a pop of brightness that will leave your taste buds singing. Perfect for busy nights or special occasions, this is the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet twist!
Preheat your oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C).
In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, honey, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk together to form a marinade.
Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy.
Place the chicken thighs in a large mixing bowl or zip-top bag, and pour the marinade over them. Rub the marinade thoroughly into the chicken to ensure even coating. Let the chicken marinate for at least 10 minutes at room temperature or up to 24 hours in the fridge for maximum flavor.
Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet and swirl to coat.
Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Sear for 3-4 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip the chicken and sear for another 2 minutes on the other side.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165Β°F (74Β°C).
Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish the chicken with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side. Pair with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Calories |
2410 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 183.2 g | 235% | |
| Saturated Fat | 46.3 g | 232% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 729 mg | 243% | |
| Sodium | 3117 mg | 136% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 40.5 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.9 g | 28% | |
| Total Sugars | 24.5 g | ||
| Protein | 165.6 g | 331% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 235 mg | 18% | |
| Iron | 12.7 mg | 71% | |
| Potassium | 2264 mg | 48% | |
*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.