Why Make This Recipe

Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs are a fantastic dish for anyone looking to impress friends or family with minimal effort. The sweet and savory flavors blend perfectly, creating a meal that tastes like it’s from a five-star restaurant. Plus, using chicken thighs keeps the meat juicy and tender, making every bite delicious.

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 your Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs hot with a side of steamed rice or a fresh salad. The extra sauce in the pan can drizzle over your side dishes for added flavor. This meal is perfect for family dinners or lunchtime gatherings.

How to Store Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Store any leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just ensure to seal them well to avoid freezer burn.

Tips to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Make sure to pat the chicken dry before seasoning to get a nice sear.
If you have time, marinate the chicken longer for deeper flavor.
For a less sweet version, reduce the amount of honey or substitute with a bit of brown sugar.

Variation

You can switch up the sauce by adding a dash of red pepper flakes for some heat or using maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweetness.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?
Yes! Boneless chicken thighs will cook faster, so check for doneness earlier.

2. Can I cook this on the grill?
Absolutely! You can grill the chicken thighs, using a similar marinade, to add a smoky flavor.

3. Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?
While marinating enhances flavor, it’s not required. If you’re short on time, you can skip it and still enjoy tasty chicken.

Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs