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- 4 bone-in chicken thighs, skin-on - 1/4 cup honey - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish) - Green onions, finely sliced (for garnish) These main ingredients create a sweet and savory dish. The honey gives a lovely glaze. The garlic adds a strong flavor. Soy sauce brings saltiness, while vinegar adds tang. Ginger gives a nice warmth. - Fresh herbs like cilantro - Chili flakes for spice - Lemon juice for brightness Adding fresh herbs can boost flavor. Chili flakes add heat for those who like spice. A splash of lemon juice can lighten the dish. - Steamed broccoli - Fluffy jasmine rice - Roasted vegetables Steamed broccoli pairs well with the chicken. It adds color and crunch. Jasmine rice soaks up the tasty sauce. Roasted veggies add a hearty touch. These sides make the meal balanced and delicious. {{ingredient_image_2}} To marinate the chicken, start by mixing the marinade. In a bowl, whisk together: - 1/4 cup honey - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - Salt and pepper to taste This blend creates a sweet and tangy flavor. Next, take 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and place them in a resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish. Refrigerate this for at least 30 minutes, but 3 hours gives the best taste. After marinating, it’s time to sear the chicken. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats, take a large, oven-safe skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, but keep the marinade for later. Place the thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet. Sear them for about 4 minutes until the skin turns golden and crispy. Flip the thighs over and sear for another 2 minutes. This step builds a nice crust and adds flavor. Now, it’s time to bake. Pour the reserved marinade over the chicken in the skillet, coating them evenly. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). To keep the chicken moist and flavorful, baste it with the sauce halfway through cooking. Once done, take the skillet out and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This resting time helps keep the juices inside. For the best flavor, marinate the chicken thighs for at least 30 minutes. You can go up to 3 hours for even more taste. Use a resealable bag or a shallow dish. Make sure the thighs are coated well. This helps the chicken absorb all the sweet and sticky flavors. Don't skip the salt and pepper; they bring out the taste. To get that perfect crispy skin, start with a hot skillet. Heat the olive oil on medium-high heat. Place the chicken skin-side down and let it sear for about 4 minutes. Don't move the chicken around; let it cook until golden. Then flip and sear the other side for 2 minutes. This step locks in juices and adds texture. The safest way to check if chicken is cooked is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, look for clear juices when you cut into the thickest part of the thigh. If the juices run clear, it’s done. Make sure to let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This keeps it juicy and flavorful. Pro Tips Marinade Timing: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it becomes. Aim for at least 3 hours or overnight for the best results. High Heat Searing: Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken. This helps achieve that crispy skin while locking in juices. Basting for Flavor: Baste the chicken with the marinade halfway through cooking to keep it moist and enhance the flavors. Rest Before Serving: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute, making it more tender and juicy. {{image_4}} You can switch up the protein in this dish. Try using chicken breast for a leaner option. If you want something different, pork chops work well too. For seafood lovers, shrimp can soak up the sweet marinade nicely. Just adjust cooking times to keep everything juicy and tender. Want to mix things up? You can add or swap ingredients in the marinade. Try adding a splash of orange juice for citrus notes. Or mix in some chili flakes for heat. You could also use maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweet flavor. Experiment with your favorite spices and herbs to find your perfect blend. You don’t have to bake the chicken. Grilling adds a nice smoky flavor. Just marinate as usual, then grill on medium heat for about 6-7 minutes per side. You can also use a slow cooker for a hands-off approach. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken will be so tender, and the flavor will soak in. To store leftover honey garlic chicken thighs, let them cool first. Place the chicken in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken fresh and safe. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. When reheating, aim to keep the chicken juicy. You can use an oven or a microwave. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish with a splash of water. Cover it with foil to keep moisture in. Bake for about 15-20 minutes. If using a microwave, heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes. Check to ensure it warms evenly. To freeze honey garlic chicken thighs, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped chicken in a freezer bag or container. Remove as much air as possible. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze the chicken for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat as mentioned above for the best flavor. Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They will cook faster than bone-in thighs. Just remember to adjust the cooking time. Boneless thighs usually need about 20 to 25 minutes in the oven. Always check for a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). To change the sweetness, you can add more or less honey. If you want it sweeter, add an extra tablespoon of honey. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the honey by one tablespoon. You can also balance sweetness with more soy sauce or vinegar for a tangy flavor. I recommend serving honey garlic chicken thighs with fluffy jasmine rice. You can also add fresh steamed broccoli or a crisp salad. These sides complement the sweet and savory flavors well. Feel free to get creative with your favorite vegetables! In this post, we explored how to make delicious honey garlic chicken thighs. We covered key ingredients, marinating techniques, and cooking methods to ensure perfect results. You learned about variations with different proteins and how to store leftovers properly. Cooking can be fun, and this dish is simple yet satisfying. Use these steps to enjoy tasty meals, impressing friends and family alike. Dive in, experiment, and enjoy every bite!

Sweet & Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Deliciously marinated chicken thighs baked to perfection with a sweet and sticky honey garlic sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

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

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, grated ginger, and a pinch of salt and pepper until well combined. Place the chicken thighs into a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, then pour the marinade over them, ensuring the thighs are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes; for the best flavor, marinate for up to 3 hours.
  • While the chicken is marinating, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it's hot and ready to bake.
  • In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Carefully remove the chicken thighs from the marinade, setting the marinade aside for later use. Place the thighs, skin-side down, into the hot skillet, and sear them for about 4 minutes until the skin is beautifully golden and crispy. Flip the thighs and sear for an additional 2 minutes on the other side for added flavor.
  • Pour the reserved marinade over the chicken thighs in the skillet, coating them evenly. Then, transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and juices run clear, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). To enhance the flavor and ensure moisture, baste the chicken with the sauce halfway through the cooking time.
  • Once cooked, carefully remove the skillet from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices. Just before serving, sprinkle sesame seeds and the finely sliced green onions over the chicken for a vibrant and flavorful touch.

Notes

For best flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 3 hours.
Keyword baked chicken, chicken, honey garlic