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Crispy Honey Glazed Grilled Chicken Thighs

crispy honey glazed grilled chicken thighs - featured image

This recipe delivers juicy, flavorful chicken thighs with a crispy, sweet-savory honey glaze and a perfect charred crust. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for summer cookouts or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • Fresh lemon juice (to taste)
  • Optional: red chili flakes for heat
  • Optional: fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and place in a mixing bowl.
  2. Drizzle olive oil over the thighs. Sprinkle garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly. Toss gently to coat without tearing the skin.
  3. Preheat grill to around 400°F (204°C). If using charcoal, wait until coals are covered with white ash. Oil the grates lightly using a paper towel dipped in oil and tongs.
  4. Place chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill. Cook undisturbed for 12-15 minutes until skin crisps and develops a golden char.
  5. Flip the chicken and grill the meat side for 8-10 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C).
  6. Brush honey generously onto the skin side during the last 3-4 minutes of grilling. Watch closely to prevent burning as sugars caramelize.
  7. Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices.
  8. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the thighs just before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken skin dry before seasoning for best crispiness. Apply honey glaze only in the last few minutes to prevent burning. Use medium-high heat and flip chicken only once. Rest chicken after grilling to keep it juicy. If flare-ups occur, move chicken to a cooler part of the grill while glazing.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken, honey glazed chicken, crispy chicken thighs, summer barbecue, easy chicken recipe, smoky chicken, honey glaze