“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

- 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
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.