Lemon-Pepper Chicken Thighs with Post-Bake Raw Honey Finish

Created by Antonio. Logged by Beastiex.
Date: May 2, 2025

#recipe #chicken

🥩 Ingredients:

• 6–12 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• Sea salt, to taste
• Fresh cracked black pepper, heavy
• 1–2 lemons (zest + juice)
• 1–2 tbsp raw honey
• (Optional): 1 garlic clove (minced), parsley, chili flakes, flaky salt

🛠️ Equipment:

• Wire rack
• Baking sheet
• Drip tray underneath (optional but recommended)
• Oven preheated to 350°F

🔥 Instructions:

1. Prep the Chicken

• Towel-dry thighs thoroughly — especially the skin.
• Season both sides generously with salt and cracked black pepper.
• Zest lemon over the top (optional but adds citrus brightness).
• Do NOT add lemon juice before baking — it can cause bitterness.

2. Arrange for Baking

• Place thighs skin side up on a wire rack over a sheet pan.
• Place cut lemons in a separate dish beside the chicken to roast.

3. Bake

• Roast at 350°F for 45 minutes.
• Optionally rotate pan at minute 35 for even cooking.

4. Broil for Finish

• Broil on high for 2–3 minutes, until the skin is crisp and bubbling.
• Watch closely to avoid burning.

5. Rest and Glaze

• Rest chicken for 5–10 minutes after removing from oven.
• While hot, brush raw honey over the skin.
• Squeeze the roasted lemons over the chicken for bright acidity.
• (Optional): Add extra pepper, flaky salt, or fresh parsley before serving.

💡 Tips & Variations:

• For sweet heat: add chili flakes to honey.
• For stronger garlic: sauté garlic in oil, then mix into honey.
• Serve with: roasted potatoes, couscous, broccolini, or arugula salad.

📦 Meal Prep Notes:

• Cool completely before sealing in containers.
• Store in fridge up to 4–5 days.
• Reheat in air fryer/oven at 350°F for ~8 minutes for crispy results.

📸 Photos

“Strong hands seasoned it. Soft heart glazed it. Fire finished it.”