Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

$- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 1/2 cup honey - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - Salt and pepper to taste For this recipe, I love using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. They are juicy and full of flavor. Honey adds a sweet touch. Garlic gives a rich taste that pairs perfectly with the honey. Soy sauce brings a salty note. Apple cider vinegar adds a little tang. Olive oil helps to cook the chicken evenly. Fresh ginger adds warmth and depth. Remember to season the chicken with salt and pepper to boost flavor. - Sesame seeds - Green onions Garnishing is key for a nice finish. I like to sprinkle sesame seeds on top. They add crunch and a nutty taste. Sliced green onions bring a fresh, bright flavor. They also make the dish look pretty. These garnishes are optional but highly recommended! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat the oven Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for cooking the chicken evenly. - Whisking the sauce In a bowl, mix together 1/2 cup honey, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and 1 teaspoon grated ginger. Whisk it well until everything blends nicely. - Searing the chicken thighs Season 4 chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for about 5 minutes. You want the skin to be golden and crispy. - Pouring the sauce and baking Carefully flip the chicken thighs. Pour the honey garlic sauce over them, making sure they are coated evenly. Move the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The chicken is ready when it reaches 165°F (75°C) inside and the sauce is bubbling. - Garnishing before serving Once the chicken is done, take it out of the oven. Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top for a nice finish. - Presentation tips Serve the chicken thighs on a platter. Drizzle some sauce over the top, and add extra green onions and sesame seeds. This makes the dish look even more tempting. Pair it with steamed rice and sautéed veggies for a full meal experience. To make honey garlic chicken thighs taste great, you must balance sweetness and savory. The honey brings a nice sweet touch, while the soy sauce adds depth. This mix makes each bite burst with flavor. Marinating the chicken is key. Let it soak in the sauce for at least 30 minutes. This step infuses the meat with rich flavors. If you have time, marinate it overnight for even better results. Searing the chicken thighs first gives them a crispy skin. Heat a bit of olive oil in your skillet. Place the chicken skin-side down and cook until golden brown. This step adds flavor and texture. After searing, pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken. Then, bake it in the oven. Make sure to check for doneness by using a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) to be safe to eat. Pair your honey garlic chicken thighs with side dishes for a complete meal. Steamed rice is a great choice. It soaks up the sauce and balances the flavors. Sautéed vegetables add color and crunch to your plate. For plating, serve the chicken on a large platter. Drizzle some sauce over the top and sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. This makes for a beautiful and appetizing presentation that guests will love. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavor. Fresh ingredients can significantly enhance the taste of your dish. Let the Chicken Rest: After baking, let the chicken thighs rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and juicy meat. Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey based on your taste preference. If you like it sweeter, add a bit more honey; for a less sweet profile, reduce it. Experiment with Spices: Try adding red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or a splash of lime juice for brightness. Customizing the flavor can make this dish uniquely yours. {{image_2}} You can switch up the chicken thighs if you like. Bone-in, skin-on thighs give great flavor. However, boneless thighs or chicken breasts work too. Just adjust the cooking time. For sweeteners, honey shines in this dish. Yet, maple syrup or agave nectar can also add a nice touch. Each sweetener brings its own unique flavor. To boost the taste, add spices or herbs. Try a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Fresh herbs, like thyme or rosemary, can add a fresh twist. You can also mix in vegetables. Bell peppers or snap peas roast nicely alongside the chicken. Just toss them in the pan before baking for an easy one-pan meal. If you want to change how you cook this dish, grilling is a great option. Grill the chicken over medium heat, basting with the sauce while cooking. It gives a nice smoky flavor. You can also use a slow cooker for a hands-off approach. Just combine the chicken and sauce in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken will be tender and full of flavor. After cooking, let the chicken thighs cool for about 15 minutes. This helps keep the meat juicy. Place the chicken in an airtight container. Use glass or plastic containers with tight lids. Make sure to store it in the fridge. It should stay fresh for up to three days. To reheat chicken thighs, use the oven for best results. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until hot. You can also use a microwave, but this might make the skin less crispy. To restore some crunch, finish in a hot skillet for a minute. To freeze leftovers, let the chicken cool completely. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place wrapped thighs in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. The chicken can last in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. For a quicker method, submerge the bag in cold water for a few hours. Always reheat thoroughly before serving. Bake chicken thighs at 400°F for 25-30 minutes. This time ensures they cook well. For safety, the internal temperature must reach 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check. The chicken will be juicy and tender when done. Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They cook faster than bone-in thighs. Reduce baking time to about 20-25 minutes. Always check that the internal temperature is 165°F. Boneless thighs stay moist and soak up flavor nicely. Serve honey garlic chicken thighs with rice or quinoa. Steamed veggies also make a great side. Try broccoli, green beans, or carrots for color. For drinks, pair with a light white wine or iced tea. Enjoy a balanced meal that pleases everyone! This blog post covered how to make honey garlic chicken thighs, from ingredients to cooking tips. You learned about the main ingredients and optional garnishes, plus step-by-step cooking instructions. I shared tips for flavor, cooking methods, and how to store leftovers. Finally, we explored variations and FAQs to help you personalize your dish. With this knowledge, you can create a tasty, satisfying meal that friends and family will love. Enjoy your cooking journey!$

Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Delicious chicken thighs coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and grated ginger until well combined.
Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and sear them for about 5 minutes, until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
Flip the chicken thighs, then pour the honey garlic mixture over the chicken in the skillet. Coat them well with the sauce, ensuring even coverage.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C) and the sauce is bubbling and caramelized.
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.

Notes

Serve the chicken thighs on a platter, drizzling some of the sauce over the top. Garnish with extra green onions and sesame seeds for a vibrant presentation. Pair with steamed rice and sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.

Keyword baked, chicken, garlic, honey, thighs