Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

$- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 1/2 cup honey - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium) - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons sesame oil The star of this dish is the bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. They stay juicy and tender, giving a nice texture. The honey and garlic mixture adds both sweetness and depth. Soy sauce and vinegar balance this with a savory kick. - Fresh parsley - Sesame seeds After baking, I love to sprinkle fresh parsley and sesame seeds on top. They add color and a bit of crunch. - Salt and pepper - Sesame oil Having salt and pepper is essential for flavor. Sesame oil enhances the dish and gives it a lovely aroma. You can find these staples in almost any kitchen. Check out the Full Recipe for all the steps to make this tasty meal! Start by whisking together four key ingredients. Use a mixing bowl to combine 1/2 cup honey, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar. This mix creates a sweet and tangy marinade. The honey gives a nice glaze, while garlic adds depth. It’s simple, but it packs a punch for flavor. Next, you need to marinate the chicken. Place the 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or a container. Pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are evenly coated. Seal the bag or container tightly. For the best taste, let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, but 4 hours works great for more flavor. Now, let’s cook! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, take the chicken out of the marinade, but keep the marinade for later. Place the chicken skin-side down in the skillet. Sear for 5-6 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. After searing, flip the chicken over. Pour the reserved marinade over the top. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You want the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). For an extra touch, you can broil it for 2-3 minutes to caramelize the sauce. Just watch closely to avoid burning. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. It’s a beautiful dish, and you can find the full recipe here. For the best taste, marinate the chicken for at least one hour. However, four hours gives it a richer flavor. Skin-on chicken thighs are vital. The skin keeps the meat juicy and adds a nice crunch when cooked. A meat thermometer is your best friend. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and perfectly cooked. To get crispy skin, sear the thighs skin-side down first. This step locks in moisture and makes the skin golden brown. To enhance the sauce, caramelize the glaze. This step adds depth and flavor. Pour the reserved marinade over the chicken while it bakes. If you want to tweak the taste, adjust the sweetness and saltiness. You can add more honey for sweetness or soy sauce for saltiness. For the full recipe, check out the recipe section above. {{image_2}} You can switch up the sweetener in this recipe. Maple syrup or agave can replace honey. Each option gives a unique taste. If you want a different protein, try chicken breast or tofu. Both options still soak up that tasty marinade. Want some heat? Add red pepper flakes or chili paste for spice. For a fresh twist, mix in herbs like thyme or rosemary. These extras can elevate your dish and make it more exciting. Try slow cooking for a tender meal. Just place the marinated chicken in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours for juicy results. If it’s summer, grilling is a great option. Preheat your grill and cook the chicken over medium heat. This method gives a smoky flavor that pairs well with the honey garlic sauce. For more details on how to make Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs, check out the Full Recipe. After you enjoy your honey garlic chicken thighs, store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and safe. Make sure to cool the chicken to room temperature first. Then, refrigerate. Leftovers last up to 3 days. I always label the container with the date for easy tracking. For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken. Place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out the air to prevent freezer burn. This way, the chicken stays tasty. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw it in the fridge overnight. This keeps the chicken safe and helps maintain flavor. When reheating, use the oven for the best results. Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish, covered with foil. This keeps moisture in and prevents drying. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warm. You can also microwave, but it may not keep the crispy skin as well. Enjoy your meal again with all its sweet and sticky goodness! Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They cook faster than bone-in thighs. When using boneless thighs, reduce the cooking time to about 20-25 minutes. Always check the internal temperature to ensure they reach 165°F (75°C). You have many options for side dishes. Here are some great choices: - Steamed rice - Roasted vegetables - Mashed potatoes - Green salad - Garlic bread These sides complement the sweet and savory notes of the chicken. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste. To check if chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh. The safe internal temperature is 165°F (75°C). This ensures the chicken is cooked and safe to eat. Always let it rest for a few minutes after cooking to keep it juicy. You now have a great recipe for Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs. We covered the key ingredients, from chicken to the honey and garlic mix. The steps were simple: marinating, searing, and baking. I shared tips for the best flavor and cooking methods. You learned about possible variations and storage tips for leftovers. Whether you follow the recipe exactly or make it your own, this dish will impress. Enjoy the cooking journey and the delicious results!$

Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Indulge in the irresistible flavor of Sweet & Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs! This easy recipe combines tender chicken with a mouthwatering honey garlic marinade that will have everyone asking for seconds. Perfect for dinner or meal prep, discover how to create this delicious dish step-by-step. Click through to explore the recipe and impress your family with this delightful chicken dinner that’s sure to become a favorite!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

1/2 cup honey

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium)

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons sesame oil

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, grated ginger, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.

Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or container. Pour the marinade over the chicken and ensure they are evenly coated. Seal the bag or container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, remove the chicken from the marinade (reserve the marinade) and place them skin-side down in the skillet. Sear for about 5-6 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown.

Flip the chicken thighs over and pour the reserved marinade over the top.

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) and the sauce is bubbling.

For an extra caramelized glaze, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and sesame seeds before serving.

Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 1 hr 5 min | Servings: 4