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To make honey garlic chicken thighs, you need a few simple ingredients. These items will help create the sweet and sticky flavor that makes this dish special. - 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 1/3 cup honey - 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred) - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped (for garnish) - Sesame seeds (for garnish) I love using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for this recipe. The skin helps keep the meat juicy, while the bones add flavor. Honey gives a nice sweetness, and soy sauce adds a bit of salt. Garlic and ginger bring a warm taste that I can't resist. Rice vinegar adds a nice zing, and sesame oil brings a nutty note. The black pepper gives just a hint of spice. For garnishes, I use green onions and sesame seeds. They add color and texture to the dish, making it look fancy. Keep these ingredients handy, and you will be ready to cook a flavorful meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your marinade ingredients. You will need honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and black pepper. In a mixing bowl, whisk these together. Make sure they blend well. The honey gives this dish its sweet flavor, while the soy sauce adds depth. Garlic and ginger bring a nice kick. This marinade will make your chicken flavorful and juicy. Next, take your chicken thighs. You want to use bone-in, skin-on thighs for the best taste. Place them in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Make sure every piece gets coated well. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For a stronger flavor, you can marinate for up to 4 hours. This step is key to making the chicken tender and delicious. Now, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is perfect for getting that crispy skin. Take the chicken out of the marinade. Shake off any extra liquid. Place the chicken thighs in a baking dish, skin-side up. Bake them for about 35-40 minutes. You want the internal temperature to reach 165°F (74°C). The skin should look golden and crispy. While the chicken bakes, heat the leftover marinade in a saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes. This will thicken it up. Once the chicken is done, brush it with the glaze. Let it rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy your tasty honey garlic chicken thighs! To get the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, go for 4 hours. The longer the chicken sits in the marinade, the better it tastes. The mix of honey, soy sauce, and garlic adds a sweet and savory kick. You can also add a bit of chili for heat if you like spice. Crispy skin makes all the difference. Start with bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. Dry the skin well before cooking. This helps it crisp up nicely. Bake the chicken at 400°F. This high temperature helps render the fat and gives you that crunch. Midway through baking, brush on the thickened glaze. This adds flavor and helps the skin get even crispier. Cooking times may vary based on your oven. Always check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F to be safe to eat. If your chicken is larger, it may need a few extra minutes. If you have smaller thighs, check them a bit earlier. Using a meat thermometer can help you avoid overcooking. This way, you keep the chicken juicy and tasty. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Flavor: For a richer flavor, marinate the chicken thighs for up to 4 hours. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeper into the meat. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Broil for Extra Crispiness: If you want even crispier skin, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, but watch it closely to prevent burning. Save the Marinade: Don’t discard the marinade! Simmer it down to create a delicious glaze to brush on the chicken for added flavor. {{image_2}} You can swap some ingredients to make this dish healthier. Use skinless chicken thighs if you want less fat. You can also use honey alternatives like agave syrup or maple syrup. For a lower sodium option, use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. This change keeps the flavor while cutting down on salt. Fresh herbs can also replace ginger or garlic for a different taste. You have many ways to cook honey garlic chicken thighs. Grilling gives them a smoky flavor. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Cook the chicken thighs for about 6-8 minutes on each side. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Air frying is quick and easy. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 25-30 minutes. Both methods keep the chicken juicy and flavorful. You can boost the taste of your chicken in many fun ways. Try adding red pepper flakes for heat. A squeeze of lime juice adds brightness. You can toss in some veggies like bell peppers or broccoli to roast with the chicken. This adds color and nutrition. Finally, fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley make great garnishes for extra flavor and style. After cooking, let the chicken cool to room temperature. Place the chicken thighs in an airtight container. You can refrigerate them for up to four days. This helps keep the chicken juicy and tasty. If you have leftover glaze, store it in a separate container. To freeze, first cool the chicken completely. Wrap each thigh in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This way, the chicken stays fresh for about three months. When you are ready to eat them, thaw in the fridge overnight. For reheating, I suggest using the oven to keep the skin crispy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Cover with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. You can also reheat in a microwave, but the skin won't be as crispy. Just heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes. The best marinating time is at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to soak in. For a richer taste, try marinating for up to 4 hours. Just remember, don’t go overboard. Too long can make the chicken mushy. Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They will cook faster than bone-in thighs. Adjust the baking time to about 25-30 minutes. Always check if the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety. Honey garlic chicken thighs go well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Steamed rice - Garlic mashed potatoes - Roasted vegetables - Asian-style coleslaw - Simple green salad These sides balance the sweet and savory flavors of the chicken. Enjoy your meal! In this blog post, we explored how to prepare delicious honey garlic chicken thighs. We covered the key ingredients, including chicken and marinade components. I provided step-by-step instructions for marinating and baking. You learned tips for perfect flavor and crispy skin. We also discussed variations, like healthier options and cooking methods. Finally, I shared storage tips for leftovers. Remember, cooking should be fun and creative! Enjoy making this dish your own, and don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors. Happy cooking!

Sweet & Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Deliciously marinated chicken thighs baked to perfection with a sweet and sticky glaze.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 6 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1.33 cup honey
  • 0.25 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and black pepper until well combined.
  • Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).
  • Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Arrange the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off excess liquid. Place the chicken thighs skin-side up in a baking dish.
  • Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy.
  • Glaze: While chicken is baking, pour the remaining marinade into a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 5-7 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
  • Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, remove from the oven and brush with the thickened glaze. Let rest for 5 minutes.
  • Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

For best flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours.
Keyword baked chicken, chicken, easy recipe, honey garlic