The Smiling Farm's Bourbon Pecan Seasoned Chicken Thighs

Ingredients:

• 4   bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or your preferred cut of chicken)
• 2   tablespoons Smiling Farm Bourbon Pecan Seasoning
• 1   tablespoon olive oil (or your choice of oil)
• 1   tablespoon honey (optional, for added sweetness)
• 1   tablespoon butter (optional, for extra richness)
• 1   tablespoon fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)
• Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
• 1   lemon (for zest and juice, optional for a tangy finish)

Instructions:

1. Prep the Chicken:
       Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to ensure the skin crisps up nicely during cooking. Season both sides of the chicken generously with the Smiling Farm Bourbon Pecan Seasoning. If you like a bit of extra flavor, you can also sprinkle a little cracked black pepper on top.
2. Marinate (optional):
       For an extra layer of flavor, you can drizzle the chicken with a bit of      honey and let it marinate for about 15–30 minutes before cooking. This will enhance the sweetness of the bourbon pecan seasoning. If you don’t have time, feel free to skip this step.
3. Heat the Pan:
       Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and allow it to heat until shimmering but not smoking.
4. Cook the Chicken:
       Place the chicken thighs, skin side down, in the hot pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, without moving the chicken, until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 5 minutes on the other side.
5. Finish in the Oven:
       Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). After searing both sides of the chicken, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Roast the chicken for about 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F(74°C) and the juices run clear.
6. Optional Butter Baste:
       In the last 5 minutes of roasting, melt the butter in the pan with the chicken. Use a spoon to baste the chicken with the melted butter for a rich, flavorful finish.
7. Rest and Garnish:
       Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the chicken (optional) and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
8. Serve:
       Serve the Bourbon Pecan Chicken with your favorite sides such as roasted      vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a green salad.

Suggested Sides:

• Roasted sweet potatoes
• Grilled asparagus or green beans
• Rice pilaf or quinoa
• A tangy slaw or corn salad

Enjoy your rich and flavorful Bourbon Pecan Chicken! The nutty, sweet, and savory flavors will surely be a hit.