Are you tired of bland, dry chicken that leaves you disappointed at the dinner table? Get ready to revolutionize your meal prep with this incredibly juicy and flavor-packed Honey Lemon Chicken and Carrots recipe that will have your family begging for seconds! In just one hour, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dish that combines the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, transforming ordinary chicken thighs into a culinary masterpiece that's both simple to make and absolutely irresistible.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 cups carrots, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature will help to roast the chicken thighs and carrots evenly, giving them a nice golden color.
- In a small bowl, combine the honey and the freshly squeezed lemon juice. Mix well until the honey is fully dissolved in the lemon juice. This will create a sweet and tangy glaze for your chicken.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped carrots. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss the carrots until they are evenly coated with the oil and seasoning.
- In a separate bowl, season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken as it cooks.
- In a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side down. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is golden brown.
- Carefully flip the chicken thighs over and pour the honey lemon mixture over them, ensuring they are well coated. Spread the chopped carrots around the chicken in the skillet or baking dish.
- Transfer the skillet or baking dish to the preheated oven. Roast for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The carrots should be tender and caramelized.
- Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute in the chicken, keeping it juicy.
- Serve the juicy honey lemon chicken thighs with the roasted carrots on the side. Drizzle any remaining pan juices over the chicken for added flavor. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Tips
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness. The skin helps lock in moisture and creates a crispy exterior.
- For the most vibrant flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice instead of bottled. The difference in taste is remarkable!
- Make sure to pat the chicken thighs dry before seasoning to ensure proper browning and crispy skin.
- Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety without overcooking.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is tender and succulent.
- For extra caramelization, you can broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking to create a gorgeous golden-brown finish.
- Choose medium-sized carrots that are similar in size to ensure even roasting and consistent texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 140mg
