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Cheryl’s Fancy Pants Chicken

Cheryl’s Fancy Pants Chicken
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Cheryl’s Fancy Pants Chicken is a flavorful and elegant chicken dish featuring juicy chicken thighs marinated in a blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, honey, smoked paprika, and fresh thyme. This easy-to-make recipe locks in moisture for tender bites and delivers a delicate golden glaze with a rich, smoky depth perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 6 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on for best flavor)

Marinade

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Herbs

  • 4–5 sprigs fresh thyme (plus extra for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, honey, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful base that complements and tenderizes the chicken.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or dish and pour the marinade over them. Ensure each piece is thoroughly coated. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
  3. Preheat Your Pan: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little olive oil to prevent sticking. A hot pan helps seal in the juices and achieves a beautiful golden crust on the chicken skin.
  4. Sear the Chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade, reserving the liquid. Place thighs skin-side down in the skillet and cook undisturbed for 5-7 minutes until the skin is crisp and browned.
  5. Flip and Add Reserved Marinade: Turn the chicken over and pour the reserved marinade into the pan. Reduce heat to medium and cook for another 8-10 minutes, basting occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens.
  6. Add Fresh Thyme and Rest: Add sprigs of fresh thyme during the last few minutes of cooking for an aromatic boost, then remove chicken from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Let chicken sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed to prevent steaming and promote a crisp skin.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for perfectly cooked chicken.
  • Deglaze the pan with the reserved marinade to scrape up browned bits for a more intense sauce flavor.
  • Allow the chicken to rest a few minutes after cooking to retain juicy texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken thighs, easy chicken recipe, smoky chicken, honey glaze chicken, gluten free chicken, quick dinner

Find it online: https://cherrycooks.com/cheryls-fancy-pants-chicken/