Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

$For making honey garlic chicken thighs, you will need: - 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on - 1/3 cup honey - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish) - Sesame seeds (for garnish) These ingredients combine to create a sweet and savory dish that is both tasty and simple to make. You can switch out some ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs: - For a different sweetener, try maple syrup or agave nectar. - If you need a soy sauce alternative, use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option. - For a gluten-free version, ensure that your soy sauce or tamari is certified gluten-free. These swaps help you maintain flavor while making the dish fit your needs. This honey garlic chicken thigh recipe offers great nutrition: - Calories per serving: About 300 calories. - Macro breakdown: - Protein: 24g - Fat: 18g - Carbs: 10g This delicious meal packs a good balance of protein and flavor, making it a satisfying choice for dinner. {{ingredient_image_1}} To make the marinade, gather your ingredients. In a medium bowl, add honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, grated ginger, and sesame oil. Whisk them together until smooth. This mix will not only add flavor but also keep the chicken juicy. Marinating time is key. Let the chicken soak for at least 30 minutes. For the best taste, marinate it for a few hours. This allows the flavors to seep in deeply. Before you bake, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). A hot oven helps the chicken cook evenly and gives it a crispy skin. After marinating, remove the chicken thighs and place them skin-side up on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Make sure to save the marinade for later. Bake the chicken for 25 to 30 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check the inside. It should reach 165°F (74°C) to be safe to eat. While the chicken bakes, prepare the glaze. Pour the saved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Stir it occasionally for about 5 to 7 minutes. This thickens the sauce and enhances the flavor. Once the chicken is done, brush the glaze over the thighs to add shine and taste. For extra crispiness, you can broil the chicken for another 2 to 3 minutes. When serving, place the chicken on a platter. Drizzle any extra glaze on top and add chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a nice touch. Marinating chicken thighs is key for flavor. I recommend marinating for at least 30 minutes, but longer is better. If you can, marinate overnight. This lets the chicken soak up all the tasty juices. To boost flavor, add extra garlic or fresh herbs. You can also try adding a splash of orange juice for a zesty twist. For crispy skin, bake the chicken at a high temperature. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the chicken skin-side up on a lined tray. To check for doneness, use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). This ensures it is safe to eat and perfectly juicy. For sides, I recommend fluffy rice or steamed veggies. These balance the rich flavors of the chicken. You can also serve it with a fresh salad for a light touch. As for drinks, a chilled white wine pairs well. If you prefer non-alcoholic, try sparkling water with lemon. It refreshes the palate nicely. Pro Tips Marination Time: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least a few hours, or overnight if possible, to enhance the flavor. Thicken the Glaze: Simmer the reserved marinade until it thickens for a rich and sticky glaze that clings beautifully to the chicken. Perfectly Crispy Skin: For extra crispy skin, pat the chicken thighs dry before marinating and ensure they're placed skin-side up while baking. Garnish for Flavor: Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can be used in addition to green onions for an extra pop of flavor and color. {{image_2}} You can change how you cook honey garlic chicken thighs to suit your taste. - Grilling honey garlic chicken thighs: Grilling adds a smoky flavor. Marinate as usual, then preheat your grill. Cook the thighs over medium heat for about 6-8 minutes on each side. Check for an internal temp of 165°F (74°C). The grill gives the chicken a nice char and crispy skin. - Slow-cooking method: For tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken, use a slow cooker. Add the marinated chicken thighs to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This method infuses the meat with all the sweet and savory flavors. Experiment with flavors to make this dish your own. - Adding spice: If you like heat, sprinkle in some chili flakes. Start with a pinch and increase to your taste. This will add a nice kick to the sweet sauce. - Changing the sweetener: You can swap honey for other sweeteners. Maple syrup or agave nectar work well. Each sweetener brings a unique flavor, giving you options based on what you have. Making this dish fit your diet is easy. - Low-carb adaptations: If you're watching carbs, skip the honey or use a low-carb sweetener. You can also serve the chicken over a bed of greens instead of rice. - Paleo-friendly modifications: For a paleo version, use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. This keeps it tasty and compliant with paleo rules. Enjoy the dish with roasted veggies for a complete meal. Honey garlic chicken thighs last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Store them in an airtight container for best results. This keeps the flavor locked in and prevents spills. If you plan to eat them later, let them cool down before storing. To freeze cooked chicken thighs, let them cool completely. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat, take them out and thaw them in the fridge overnight. To reheat without drying out, use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking tray and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. This keeps the chicken juicy. If you want to avoid sogginess, skip the microwave. Instead, use a skillet over low heat for even warming. You have many great options! Here are some tasty side dishes to pair with your honey garlic chicken thighs: - Steamed broccoli - Roasted sweet potatoes - Garlic rice - Asian-style coleslaw - Stir-fried vegetables These sides add color and balance to your meal. They also help soak up that delicious honey garlic sauce! Both types work well, but they have different benefits. Bone-in chicken thighs stay juicy and flavorful during cooking. They also have a richer taste. Boneless thighs cook faster and are easier to eat. - Bone-in: Juicy, flavorful, and great for roasting. - Boneless: Quick cooking and easy to slice. Choose based on your time and taste preference! Check the chicken’s internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for safety. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can cut into the thickest part of the thigh. The juices should run clear, not pink. Here are some quick tips for checking doneness: - Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. - Look for clear juices. - Ensure the skin is golden and crispy. These steps will help you serve perfectly cooked chicken every time! This blog post covered all you need for tasty honey garlic chicken thighs. We discussed key ingredients and useful substitutions. I shared step-by-step cooking tips to achieve the perfect dish. Plus, we explored variations, storage tips, and frequently asked questions. Cook these chicken thighs for a flavorful meal. Explore different methods and flavors. Enjoy the ease of preparation and delicious results. You’ll impress your friends and family with this simple yet tasty recipe. Happy cooking!$

Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Deliciously marinated chicken thighs glazed with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
1 third cup honey
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
to taste salt and pepper
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 pieces green onions, chopped (for garnish)
to taste sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, grated ginger, sesame oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper until well combined.
Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over the top. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably a few hours for deeper flavor.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it skin-side up on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Reserve the marinade for later. Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
While the chicken bakes, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Let it thicken slightly, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Once the chicken is done baking, brush the thickened sauce over the chicken thighs for added flavor. Optionally, switch the oven to broil and broil for another 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness.
Transfer the chicken thighs to a serving platter. Drizzle any remaining glaze over the top and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

For best flavor, marinate the chicken for a few hours.

Keyword baked chicken, chicken, honey garlic, thighs