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Honey Paprika Chicken Recipe Easy Crispy Glazed Skin Perfect Dinner

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A quick and easy honey paprika chicken recipe featuring crispy, glazed skin and tender meat, perfect for cozy dinners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs)
  • 3 tablespoons honey (raw or wildflower preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • Pinch of chili flakes (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  2. Season generously with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder (about 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder per pound of chicken). Let rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  3. In a small bowl, combine honey, lemon juice, and chili flakes if using. Stir well and set aside.
  4. Heat a heavy skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat and add olive oil. Heat until shimmering but not smoking, about 2 minutes.
  5. Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the pan without overcrowding. Press lightly with tongs to ensure full skin contact. Cook for 7-9 minutes without moving until skin is golden brown and crispy.
  6. Flip the chicken and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for another 8-10 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) or juices run clear.
  7. Brush the honey glaze generously over the skin side. Turn heat back to medium and cook for 1-2 minutes to caramelize the glaze, watching closely to avoid burning.
  8. Remove chicken from pan and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve.

Notes

Patting the chicken skin dry before cooking is essential for crispiness. Apply the honey glaze near the end of cooking to avoid burning. Use medium heat to get a golden crust without burning the glaze. Rest the chicken after cooking to keep it juicy. If glaze darkens too fast, lower the heat.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey paprika chicken, crispy chicken thighs, glazed chicken, quick dinner, easy chicken recipe, weeknight meal, smoky chicken, honey glaze

Find it online: https://swooshspice.com/honey-paprika-chicken-recipe-easy-crispy-glazed-skin-perfect-dinner/