Go Back
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 1/3 cup honey - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon ground ginger - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish) - Sesame seeds (for garnish) To make honey garlic chicken thighs, you need fresh ingredients. Start with bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. They remain juicy and flavorful while cooking. For sweetness, use honey. Fresh garlic gives a great taste. Soy sauce adds depth, while apple cider vinegar adds a slight tang. Ground ginger adds warmth. Olive oil helps with searing. Don’t forget salt and pepper for taste. Finally, green onions and sesame seeds make perfect garnishes. This dish is simple yet packed with flavor. The blend of sweet and savory really shines. Each ingredient plays a role in creating a delicious meal. You can easily find these ingredients at your local grocery store. Take your time to gather everything before you start cooking. It makes the process smoother and more enjoyable. First, gather your ingredients for the marinade. In a bowl, whisk together: - 1/3 cup honey - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon ground ginger - Salt and pepper to taste Mix until smooth. This step is key for great flavor. Let the marinade sit for a few minutes. It will help the tastes blend together. For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. You can marinate for up to 4 hours. Longer marinating makes the chicken even tastier. Now, it’s time to marinate the chicken thighs. Place the chicken in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Make sure each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish. While your chicken marinates, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is important to cook the chicken evenly. For cooking, start by searing the chicken. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, but save the marinade for later. Sear the chicken thighs skin-side down for about 5-7 minutes. Look for a golden brown color on the skin. Next, flip the chicken over. Pour the reserved marinade over the thighs. Transfer your skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). For the final touch, switch to broil mode during the last 5 minutes of baking. This caramelizes the glaze. Keep a close eye on the chicken to avoid burning. Once done, let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy this easy and flavorful dish! - Achieving perfect caramelization: Start by searing the chicken thighs skin-side down in a hot skillet with olive oil. This helps to render the fat and create a nice, crispy skin. Make sure the pan is hot enough before adding the chicken. The skin should sizzle when it hits the pan. - How to avoid drying out the chicken: Keep an eye on the internal temperature. Chicken thighs are best when they reach 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer to check. Also, don’t skip the marinating step. The honey and vinegar help keep the chicken moist and flavorful. - Adding spice or heat: If you want a kick, try adding red pepper flakes or sriracha to the marinade. This will give your dish a nice heat without overpowering the sweet honey flavor. - Using fresh herbs: Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can brighten up the dish. Add them to the marinade or sprinkle on top before serving for a fresh taste. - Best sides to pair with honey garlic chicken thighs: Serve these chicken thighs with jasmine rice or steamed vegetables. Both options soak up the delicious sauce well. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette also complements the sweetness of the chicken. Consider roasted broccoli or carrots for a healthy, colorful plate. {{image_2}} Substitutes for honey: If you need a honey substitute, try maple syrup or agave nectar. These options give a sweet flavor. You can also use brown sugar mixed with a bit of water for a similar taste. Different types of chicken cuts: While I love chicken thighs, you can use chicken breasts too. They will cook faster and stay tender if you marinate them well. Drumsticks or wings work great too, just adjust the cooking time. Grilling vs baking: Grilling adds a nice smoky flavor. To grill, marinate the chicken as usual, then cook on medium heat. Keep an eye on it, so it doesn't dry out. Baking is easy and gives crispy skin without much fuss. Slow cooker adaptation: You can use a slow cooker for this dish. Just place the marinated chicken in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours. This will yield tender, juicy chicken that falls off the bone. Making it gluten-free: To make this dish gluten-free, replace soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce. Always check the labels for hidden gluten. Low-sugar option: If you're watching your sugar, use a sugar-free honey substitute. You can also reduce the amount of honey in the marinade. This will still give you a nice flavor without the extra sugar. Store your honey garlic chicken thighs in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken fresh. Place it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. The chicken stays good for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to reheat thoroughly before eating. To freeze the chicken, wrap each piece well in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped chicken in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in the oven or on the stove until it reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures it is safe to eat and tastes great. How do I know when chicken thighs are cooked? You can check if chicken thighs are cooked by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). The juices should run clear, not pink. If you cut into the chicken, it should look opaque and white inside. Can I use boneless chicken thighs? Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They will cook faster, so reduce the baking time by about 5 to 10 minutes. Make sure to check the internal temperature for doneness. What can I serve with honey garlic chicken thighs? This dish pairs well with many sides. You can serve it with rice, steamed veggies, or a fresh salad. Mashed potatoes or quinoa also complement the flavors nicely. Caloric content per serving Each serving of honey garlic chicken thighs has about 350 calories. This can vary based on the cooking method and sides served. Macros breakdown - Protein: 28g - Carbohydrates: 30g - Fats: 15g Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken thighs a day ahead. This allows the flavors to deepen and makes cooking easier. Tips for meal prepping with this recipe For meal prep, cook a batch of honey garlic chicken thighs and divide them into containers. You can pair them with different sides for variety throughout the week. Store in the fridge for up to four days. This blog post covers how to make delicious honey garlic chicken thighs. We explored the key ingredients and showed the step-by-step cooking process. I shared helpful tips for the best taste and texture. You learned about variations and dietary adjustments to fit your needs. Finally, I provided practical storage tips and answered common questions. Now, you can confidently whip up this dish and impress anyone at your table. Enjoy cooking and experimenting with flavors as you create your perfect meal!

Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of honey garlic chicken thighs with this simple and delicious recipe! Featuring a sweet and savory marinade that brings out the best in bone-in, skin-on chicken, this dish is sure to impress. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, these honey garlic chicken thighs are easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. Click through to discover the full recipe and elevate your cooking tonight!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

1/3 cup honey

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon soy sauce

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon ground ginger

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Prep the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, salt, and pepper.

    Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.

      Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

        Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the marinade (reserve marinade) and sear the chicken thighs skin-side down for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown.

          Bake the Chicken: Flip the chicken over, pour the reserved marinade over the thighs, and then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

            Glaze the Chicken: During the last 5 minutes of baking, switch to broil mode to caramelize the glaze on the chicken. Watch closely to prevent burning.

              Serve: Once cooked, remove from the oven and let rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4