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- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 1/2 cup honey - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes - 2 tablespoons freshly chopped green onions - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds When I make honey garlic chicken thighs, I love starting with fresh ingredients. The chicken thighs keep the dish juicy and flavorful. Honey gives it a sweet touch, while garlic adds depth. For the marinade, I mix soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and sesame oil. This blend brings a nice balance of sweet and salty. If you like a bit of heat, crushed red pepper flakes add a nice kick. Garnishing with green onions and sesame seeds brings color and crunch. These optional ingredients make the dish look fancy without extra work. You can always adjust the recipe to suit your taste. Enjoy! {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for even cooking. 2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the following for the marinade: - 1/2 cup honey - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) Mix until smooth. This marinade adds rich flavor to the chicken. 1. Arrange 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs skin-side up in a large, oven-safe skillet or baking dish. Keep them in a single layer for best results. 2. Pour the honey garlic marinade evenly over the chicken thighs. Use a spoon to coat each piece well. 3. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat. 1. For a nice caramelization, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning. 2. Once done, take the chicken out and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps keep the juices inside, making it juicy and tender. 3. Finally, garnish the chicken with freshly chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving. This adds color and a nice crunch. To ensure even cooking, space the chicken thighs out. Place them skin-side up in a single layer. This helps the heat reach every part of the chicken. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before baking. This way, the chicken cooks evenly from the start. Checking the internal temperature is key. Use a meat thermometer and aim for 165°F (74°C). This ensures your chicken is safe to eat. You can switch up the marinade ingredients for new flavors. Try using maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper sweetness. You can also swap in tamari if you need a gluten-free option for soy sauce. For added flavor, consider herbs and spices. Fresh thyme or rosemary can add great depth. A splash of lime juice can also brighten the dish. Pair the honey garlic chicken thighs with steamed jasmine rice. The rice will soak up the tasty sauce. You can also serve it with sautéed vegetables, like green beans or broccoli. For a beautiful presentation, place the chicken on a large platter. Drizzle extra sauce over the chicken. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for color and crunch. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will provide a richer flavor compared to dried versions. Always opt for fresh whenever possible for the best taste. Marinate for Extra Flavor: For an even deeper flavor, consider marinating the chicken thighs in the honey garlic mixture for at least an hour or overnight in the refrigerator. Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption and juicy results. Rest Before Serving: Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat more tender and flavorful. {{image_4}} You can easily swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Chicken breasts cook faster and are leaner. Just reduce the cooking time by 10-15 minutes. You want the internal temperature to reach 165°F (74°C). If you want a vegetarian option, try using tofu. Firm tofu works best. Press out excess water, then cut it into cubes. Marinate it like you would the chicken. Bake at the same temperature for about 25-30 minutes. To add a fresh twist, try adding citrus like lemon or lime. The zest brightens the dish. You can also toss in fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. These herbs add a nice touch. For those who like heat, add extra peppers. You can use jalapeños or even red chili flakes. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference. This adds a fun kick to the meal. If you want to use a slow cooker, this works great too. Simply add the marinated chicken to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This method makes the chicken super tender. Grilling is another fun option. Preheat your grill and oil the grates to prevent sticking. Grill the chicken thighs for about 6-8 minutes per side. This method gives a lovely smoky flavor while keeping the chicken juicy. After enjoying your honey garlic chicken thighs, store leftovers in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken fresh and safe. You can refrigerate them for up to three days. If you want to save the sauce, put it in a separate container. This helps the chicken maintain its texture and flavor. Freezing is a great option if you have extra chicken thighs. Let the cooked chicken cool completely before freezing. Wrap each thigh in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you want to enjoy them, thaw them in the fridge overnight. This keeps the chicken juicy and tasty. Reheating your honey garlic chicken thighs is simple. The best method is to use an oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until hot. You can also use a microwave if you’re in a hurry. Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel to help it stay juicy. Heat in short bursts until warm. Enjoy your delicious meal! How long to cook chicken thighs? You should cook chicken thighs for about 30 to 35 minutes. This time ensures they are juicy and flavorful. Always check the internal temperature for safety. What temperature should chicken thighs be cooked to? Cook chicken thighs to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This temperature makes sure the chicken is safe to eat. Can I use different sweeteners? Yes, you can use other sweeteners like maple syrup or agave. These options will still give a nice sweetness to your dish. Is there a substitute for soy sauce? If you need a soy sauce substitute, try tamari for a gluten-free option. You can also use coconut aminos for a sweeter taste. Can I double the recipe? You can easily double the recipe. Just make sure you have enough space in your oven. Use a larger pan to fit all the chicken. What to serve with honey garlic chicken thighs? Serve honey garlic chicken thighs with steamed rice or sautéed veggies. These sides soak up the tasty sauce and make the meal complete. This blog post covered how to prepare delicious honey garlic chicken thighs. We discussed key ingredients, including chicken, honey, and garlic. I shared step-by-step instructions for easy cooking, plus tips to enhance flavor and serve well. I also provided variations for different proteins and storage tips to keep your meals fresh. In summary, this recipe is versatile and simple. It’s great for busy nights or meal prep. Enjoy making this dish, and share it with those you love.

Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Delicious chicken thighs marinated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, baked to perfection.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 6 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons freshly chopped green onions, for garnish
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for even cooking.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  • Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up in a large, oven-safe skillet or a baking dish, making sure they are placed in a single layer for even cooking.
  • Pour the honey garlic mixture evenly over each chicken thigh, using a spoon to ensure that every piece is generously coated with the marinade.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • For an additional caramelized finish, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
  • Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes.
  • Garnish the chicken with freshly chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

Serve with steamed jasmine rice or sautéed vegetables.
Keyword baked, chicken, easy, garlic, honey