Why Make This Recipe

Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs are a fantastic choice for both busy weeknights and special occasions. This dish combines sweet honey with savory garlic and soy sauce to create a mouthwatering glaze that makes chicken thighs tender and juicy. It’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor, making it a favorite for families and dinner guests alike. Plus, the beautiful presentation with garnishes such as green onions and sesame seeds adds a restaurant-quality touch right in your kitchen!

How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Ingredients:

6 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
½ cup honey
5 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon ground ginger
Salt and pepper, to taste
Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Directions:

Making Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs is simpler than you might think. Just follow these easy steps:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, mix honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and ground ginger until well combined.
Season Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
Sear Chicken: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and sear for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
Flip and Bake: Flip the chicken pieces over, and pour the remaining marinade into the skillet. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
Cook Through: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Baste with Sauce: Halfway through cooking, baste the chicken with the sauce to enhance flavor.
Rest: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute for optimal tenderness.
Garnish: Optionally, sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a touch of flavor and presentation.

These steps will guide you through creating Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs that are bursting with flavor and sure to impress!

How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs with steamed rice, quinoa, or your favorite vegetables. The sweet and savory sauce pairs well with simple sides. For an extra touch, drizzle leftover sauce over the rice or vegetables. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds just before serving for a fresh presentation!

How to Store Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the oven or microwave until heated through. If you want to freeze leftovers, place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Tips to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Marinate Longer: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken thighs for a few hours or overnight.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and high-quality honey will enhance the overall taste of the dish.
Check Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe temperature.
Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of honey slightly.

Variation

You can easily customize this recipe by adding different spices or herbs. For a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes to the marinade. Alternatively, try using chicken breasts instead of thighs if you prefer white meat.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in. Just reduce the cooking time slightly.

2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.

3. Can I make this recipe on the grill?
Absolutely! You can grill the marinated chicken thighs over medium heat. Just be sure to keep an eye on them to avoid burning the glaze.

Enjoy your delicious Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs that deliver 5-star flavor with every bite!