“What can I make with boneless, skinless chicken thighs,” I ask myself a lot. Then, after talking with my mother about the demise of a local Chinese restaurant, the idea of Honey Lemon Chicken popped into my head.
I am not going to lie. These chicken thighs are ugly. So ugly that when my husband looked at his plate, he sent me a sideways glance that silently asked if the chicken was done.
Yes, it was done, but I was not reaching for my camera. This dish was not going to blog worthy. I could just tell.
And then, the first bite. Our eyes locked with one another.
Him: “Did you write down how to make this recipe?”
Me: “No, I didn’t think it was going to be any good.”
Him: “Grab your camera while you still have some sun and get a picture… QUICK!”
Because he knows that if I don’t blog about a recipe, he will never see it on our table again.
These oven-baked honey lemon chicken thighs are divine.
Cooks notes:
- I used Lemon Essential Oil but you could probably use lemon zest to get a similar flavor.
- Any type of chicken can be used but bones and skin will change your cook time.
- Next time, I will try this recipe in the crock pot and use frozen chicken breasts. I bet it will be awesome… but still ugly.

Baked Honey Lemon Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 package boneless skinless chicken thighs (or your choice of chicken)
- 1/3 cup rice wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 4 drops lemon essential oil
- 1 clove garlic minced
- Salt black pepper, red pepper flakes, onion powder to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Place chicken in a casserole dish. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and onion powder.
- Whisk together rice wine vinegar, honey, soy sauce, lemon, and garlic. Pour over chicken.
- Cook in oven for 30 to 45 minutes or until an internal temperature of 165 degrees is reached.
This post made me laugh because it sounds just like a conversation that would happen in my home! When I make something yummy, my family always asks if it is going on the blog. Just tonight I made a yummy orange chicken and my family was disappointed that I didn’t write down what I used in the sauce. Oops! I’m always looking for a good chicken thigh recipe as they are so frugal. Thanks so much. Pinning!
Orange sauce? Now I am upset you didn’t write that down. LOL Sounds divine.