Honey-Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

Honey-Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

A perfect balance of sweet, savory, and buttery flavors with crispy, golden chicken—this dish is easy to make and full of rich depth from The Carolina Honey Bee Company’s raw wildflower honey.

Serves: 4 Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup raw wildflower honey
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt & black pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried)
  • 1 tbsp chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat & Prepare: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken skin-side down and sear for 5-7 minutes, until the skin is crispy and golden. Flip and cook for another 3 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  3. Make the Honey-Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, stir in garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add raw wildflower honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Return the chicken to the skillet, skin-side up, and spoon some sauce over the top. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temp of 165°F (74°C).
  5. Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with fresh thyme and parsley. Spoon extra sauce over the chicken and serve with roasted vegetables or garlic mashed potatoes.

Why This Recipe Works

🌿 Wildflower Honey: Brings natural floral sweetness that balances the rich, buttery sauce.
🔥 Crispy Skin & Juicy Meat: Searing locks in flavor before finishing in the oven.
🧄 Garlic-Butter Infusion: Creates a velvety, umami-packed glaze.

Pair with a crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, and enjoy!