Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with "The Bombdiggity Chicken"—a flavor-packed recipe that combines crispy, golden-brown chicken thighs with a zesty, smoky marinade you won’t be able to resist. Featuring a mouthwatering blend of fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, honey, and a dash of red pepper flakes for optional heat, this dish brings the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory in every bite. The seared and oven-baked cooking technique locks in juiciness while delivering irresistibly crispy skin, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Ready in under an hour, this versatile recipe pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for a pop of brightness that will leave your taste buds singing. Perfect for busy nights or special occasions, this is the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet twist!
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, honey, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk together to form a marinade.
Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy.
Place the chicken thighs in a large mixing bowl or zip-top bag, and pour the marinade over them. Rub the marinade thoroughly into the chicken to ensure even coating. Let the chicken marinate for at least 10 minutes at room temperature or up to 24 hours in the fridge for maximum flavor.
Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet and swirl to coat.
Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Sear for 3-4 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip the chicken and sear for another 2 minutes on the other side.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish the chicken with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side. Pair with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Serving size | 1142.9 grams (1142.9g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 2411 |
Total Fat 183.20g | 235% |
Saturated Fat 46.30g | 232% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.00g | |
Cholesterol 729mg | 243% |
Sodium 3117mg | 136% |
Total Carbohydrate 40.50g | 15% |
Dietary Fiber 7.90g | 28% |
Total Sugars 24.50g | |
Protein 165.60g | 331% |
Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
Calcium 235mg | 18% |
Iron 13mg | 71% |
Potassium 2264mg | 48% |
Source of Calories