Ingredients:

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (approx. 2.5 lbs)
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 tbsp lime zest
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp soy sauce
  • 1 serrano pepper, finely diced
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions:

  1. Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels to ensure a crisp crust.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the kosher salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper.
  3. Rub the melted butter over the chicken skin, then apply the spice blend evenly on all sides, pressing it into the meat.
  4. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  5. Place chicken skin-side down in a cast iron skillet and sear for 3-5 minutes until the bottom is golden.
  6. Flip the chicken to skin-side up and transfer the skillet to the oven. Roast for 20-25 minutes.
  7. While the chicken roasts, combine honey, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, soy sauce, and diced serrano in a saucepan over medium heat.
  8. Simmer the glaze for 5-7 minutes until it reduces into a thick, syrupy consistency.
  9. During the final 10 minutes of roasting, brush the sticky lime glaze over the chicken and finish roasting until caramelized.
  10. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.