Chicken Thighs with Honey-Lemon Peaches and Thyme

📝 Description:

This vibrant summer-inspired dish marries the savory richness of pan-seared chicken thighs with the sweet-tart brightness of peaches, honey, lemon, and thyme. The caramelized peaches bring a beautiful contrast to the tender, crispy-skinned chicken. A perfect harmony of sweet and savory, ideal for a weeknight dinner or a small gathering.

🧾 Ingredients for Chicken Thighs with Honey-Lemon Peaches and Thyme

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 2 fresh peaches, sliced (about ½-inch thick)

• 1 ½ tbsp honey

• 1 lemon, juiced and zested

• 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves (plus extra sprigs for garnish)

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• ¼ cup chicken broth or dry white wine (optional, for deglazing)

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter (optional, for richness)

🍳 Instructions:

1. Preheat & Season
   Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat chicken thighs dry and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.

2. Sear the Chicken
   In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs skin-side down, and sear until golden and crispy, about 5–7 minutes. Flip and cook the other side for 3 minutes. Remove and set aside.

3. Sauté Peaches & Aromatics
   In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add the peaches and sauté for 2–3 minutes until lightly caramelized. Stir in the garlic, thyme, honey, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Deglaze with broth or wine, if using.

4. Combine & Roast
   Return chicken thighs to the pan, skin-side up, nestling them among the peaches. Transfer skillet to the oven and roast for 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

5. Finish & Serve
   (Optional) Dot with butter before serving for added richness. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and additional lemon zest. Serve hot.

🍴 Servings:

• Serves 4 people

• Ideal with sides like roasted potatoes, quinoa, or a simple arugula salad

📊 Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approximate):

• Calories: 380

• Protein: 25g

• Fat: 22g (6g saturated)

• Carbohydrates: 20g

• Sugar: 13g (mostly natural from peaches & honey)

• Fiber: 2g

• Sodium: 200mg

🌿 Health Benefits:

• Chicken Thighs: Rich in protein and iron, supportive for muscle repair and energy.

• Peaches: Loaded with vitamins A & C, antioxidants, and dietary fiber.

• Honey: Natural sweetener with antibacterial properties (in moderation).

• Lemon: Aids digestion and provides vitamin C.

• Thyme: Contains thymol, a powerful antioxidant and natural anti-inflammatory.

💡 Tips & Notes:

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing; this ensures crispy skin.

• Use ripe but firm peaches to avoid them turning mushy during cooking.

• A splash of balsamic vinegar can add a deeper tang.

• No fresh peaches? Use drained canned peaches (in juice, not syrup) as a backup.

• This dish can also be done with boneless thighs, just reduce oven time by ~5 minutes.

Q&A:

Q: Can I use boneless skinless chicken thighs?
A: Yes, but you’ll miss the crispy skin. Reduce cooking time by 5–7 minutes in the oven.

Q: What can I substitute for peaches?
A: Nectarines, apricots, or plums work well. Even apples in fall!

Q: Is it okay to use dried thyme?
A: Yes, use 1 tsp dried thyme in place of fresh, but add it earlier to release its flavor.

Q: Can this be meal prepped?
A: Definitely. It stores well in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken.

Q: Wine or broth — which is better?
A: White wine adds depth and acidity; broth is more subtle. Use whichever suits your taste or dietary needs.