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- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated The main ingredients create a sweet and savory base for our dish. The chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful. Honey adds sweetness, while soy sauce brings in a salty depth. Garlic and ginger give a fresh kick to the mix. Together, they create a mouth-watering marinade that soaks into the chicken. - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon black pepper - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) The spices and oils enhance the dish. Sesame oil adds a nutty flavor that is hard to resist. Black pepper gives a nice warmth without being too spicy. If you love heat, the red pepper flakes are a great choice. They add a kick to every bite. - 2 green onions, sliced - Sesame seeds Garnishes make your dish look stunning. Green onions add color and a fresh crunch. Sesame seeds bring a lovely texture and nutty flavor on top. Together, they make the chicken thighs pop on the plate. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need to mix the marinade. In a large bowl, whisk together these ingredients: - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce - 4 minced cloves of garlic - 1 tablespoon of grated ginger - 1 tablespoon of sesame oil - 1 teaspoon of black pepper - 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if you want heat) Next, add the chicken thighs to the bowl. Make sure they are well-coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and let it sit in the fridge. I recommend marinating for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, letting it marinate for up to 2 hours gives more flavor. While the chicken marinates, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is key for cooking the chicken right. After preheating, take your baking dish and arrange the marinated chicken thighs in it. Place them skin side up. Pour the leftover marinade over the chicken. This adds even more flavor. Now, it's time to bake! Place the dish in your preheated oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The skin should look crispy and caramelized. Halfway through cooking, it's a great idea to baste the chicken with the sauce. This keeps it juicy and boosts the flavor. To make sure your chicken is cooked right, check the internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer. The safe temperature is 165°F (74°C). Make sure to insert it into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone. For crispy skin, start with dry chicken. Pat the skin with paper towels. This helps it crisp up in the oven. Baking at a high heat also helps. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you baste the chicken halfway, it will add flavor but can make the skin less crisp. So, be careful. For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. If you can, aim for 2 hours. This allows the chicken to soak up the honey, soy sauce, and spices. Use a large bowl to mix the marinade. Stir well so the flavors blend. Coat each chicken thigh evenly. Cover the bowl and store it in the fridge. To make your meal complete, serve the chicken with steamed white rice or stir-fried vegetables. Both pair well with the sweet and savory sauce. For a nice touch, arrange the chicken on a large platter. Drizzle some of the glaze over the top. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for extra color and flavor. This makes the dish look gorgeous and appetizing! Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Depth: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. If time allows, aim for a 2-hour marination. Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure perfectly cooked chicken by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For Extra Crispiness: Broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking to achieve an extra crispy skin finish. Serve with Fresh Ingredients: Garnish with fresh herbs or citrus zest to add brightness and enhance the dish's flavors. {{image_2}} You can cook Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs in different ways. Grilling adds a smoky flavor. To grill, marinate the chicken as before. Preheat your grill to medium heat. Cook the thighs skin-side down for about 7 to 10 minutes. Flip them and cook for another 7 to 10 minutes. Ensure the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C). For slow cooking, use a slow cooker. Add the marinated chicken and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. This method keeps the chicken juicy and tender. You can also use an Instant Pot. Add the chicken and marinade, then seal the pot. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for best results. You can swap honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. Both provide sweetness, but they change the flavor slightly. For soy sauce, try coconut aminos or liquid aminos. These options are good for those avoiding soy. Using boneless chicken thighs is another option. They cook faster, so reduce baking time to about 25 to 30 minutes. Boneless thighs are also easier to shred for salads and wraps. If you want a milder dish, skip the red pepper flakes. You can also add a bit of brown sugar to balance the heat. For a spicier version, increase the red pepper flakes. You can also add cayenne pepper for a kick. Just remember to taste as you go! To keep your honey garlic chicken thighs fresh, store them in an airtight container. Make sure to let the chicken cool down first. Place any extra sauce in a separate container. This helps keep the chicken moist. In the fridge, your leftovers can last up to 3 days. If you want to save them for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap each thigh tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Make sure to remove all the air. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze these thighs for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge for the best taste. To reheat honey garlic chicken thighs, use the oven for the best results. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. This method keeps the skin crispy and the meat juicy. If you’re in a hurry, you can also use a microwave. Just heat in short bursts, checking often to avoid overcooking. Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They cook faster than bone-in thighs. Boneless thighs need about 20 to 25 minutes in the oven. This change can make your meal quicker. However, the flavor may not be as rich. The bones add depth and moisture to the dish. If you don’t have honey, use maple syrup or agave nectar. Both will add sweetness. Brown sugar can also work, but it will change the texture. Each sweetener will give a different taste. Adjust the amount to your liking. Start with the same amount and taste as you go. You can check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (74°C) to be safe to eat. If you don’t have a thermometer, look for visual cues. The juices should run clear, and the meat should not be pink. The skin should also be crispy and golden brown. This blog post walks you through making Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs with ease. We covered the key ingredients, from chicken thighs to spices and garnishes. You learned how to marinate, bake, and serve this dish, plus tips for juicy chicken and great sides. I shared great ways to store leftovers, and even different cooking methods. Try these tips and enjoy a delicious meal that's easy to prepare! Simple changes in spices or cooking methods can really make a difference. Cooking should be fun, so feel free to get creative!

Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

A delicious blend of sweet honey and savory garlic, this chicken dish is perfect for any occasion.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 0.5 cup honey
  • 0.25 cup soy sauce (low sodium)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 2 pieces green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add the chicken thighs to the bowl, ensuring they are well-coated with the marinade. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).
  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while the chicken is marinating.
  • Transfer the marinated chicken thighs to a baking dish, skin side up. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken.
  • Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy and caramelized. Halfway through the cooking time, baste the chicken with the sauce for extra flavor.
  • Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

Serve with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
Keyword chicken, easy recipe, honey garlic