Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

$- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 1/4 cup honey - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 2 green onions, finely chopped (for garnish) - Sesame seeds (for garnishing) Each ingredient plays a role in flavor. The honey adds sweetness, while the soy sauce gives a salty touch. Garlic and ginger bring a nice kick. I suggest using fresh garlic and ginger for the best taste. The apple cider vinegar balances the flavors. Use salt and pepper to enhance the taste of the chicken. You can swap the honey for maple syrup if needed. For the soy sauce, coconut aminos work well for a gluten-free option. If you don't have apple cider vinegar, white vinegar can serve as a substitute. Feel free to switch out chicken thighs for drumsticks or breasts, but adjust the cooking time as needed. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step helps the chicken cook evenly. A hot oven ensures a crispy skin and juicy meat. In a medium bowl, combine these ingredients: - 1/4 cup honey - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated Whisk these together until they blend well. This mixture is your marinade. It gives the chicken a sweet and savory flavor. Take 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and season them with salt and black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken thighs skin-side down. Cook them for 5-7 minutes. You want the skin to turn crispy and golden brown. This adds great texture. Carefully flip the chicken thighs using tongs. Pour the honey-garlic marinade over them. Let it simmer gently in the skillet. This step allows all the flavors to soak into the chicken. Now, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). After baking, use oven mitts to take the skillet out of the oven. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This step keeps the juices inside the meat. Just before serving, sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top. This adds a nice touch and extra flavor. Enjoy your delicious honey garlic chicken thighs! To get that perfect crispy skin, start with dry chicken thighs. Pat them with paper towels to remove moisture. Season them well with salt and black pepper. Searing in a hot skillet is key. Cook skin-side down for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Don’t rush this step! The color means flavor. For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken for at least an hour. If you can, let it sit overnight in the fridge. This allows the honey, garlic, and ginger to soak in. You can also add a splash of lime juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick. Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to freshen things up. Use a heavy, oven-safe skillet for best results. Cast iron works great because it holds heat well. A good pair of tongs is essential for flipping the chicken. Make sure to have a meat thermometer handy; it ensures the chicken is cooked through. An oven mitt is a must to safely handle hot skillets. Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: For even more intense flavor, marinate the chicken thighs for at least 1 hour, or overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the honey, garlic, and ginger to fully penetrate the meat. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure perfectly cooked chicken, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. Customize Your Marinade: Feel free to experiment with the marinade by adding ingredients like chili flakes for heat, or a splash of orange juice for a citrusy twist. This can elevate the dish even further. Resting Time is Crucial: After baking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is tender and juicy. {{image_4}} You can add spices to your honey garlic chicken for a new twist. Try using paprika for a mild smokiness. Cumin adds a warm flavor that pairs well with honey. For a kick, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. Just a pinch can make a big difference. Mix these spices into the marinade before you coat the chicken. It will give your dish more depth. If you want to switch up the sweetness, use maple syrup or agave nectar. Both of these sweeteners work well with the garlic and soy sauce. They add a unique flavor while keeping the dish sweet. Remember, the amount may vary. Start with the same amount as honey and adjust to taste. You might even try brown sugar for a richer flavor. It melts nicely and adds a slight caramel note. Honey garlic chicken thighs are great on their own, but sides make them even better. Serve the chicken with steamed rice or fluffy quinoa. Both absorb the delicious sauce well. Roasted vegetables add color and nutrition to your plate. Try broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers for a healthy mix. Don't forget a fresh salad on the side for crunch. It makes the meal feel complete and balanced. Enjoy your meal! After enjoying your honey garlic chicken thighs, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down to room temperature first. This helps keep them fresh. Place the container in the fridge. Your chicken will last for about three to four days. To reheat the chicken, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken thighs on a baking dish. Cover them with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are warm throughout. You can also use a microwave if you're in a hurry. Heat on medium power for about 2-3 minutes. Check to make sure they are hot. If you want to keep the chicken longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap each thigh in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This method helps avoid freezer burn. You can freeze the chicken for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They cook faster than bone-in thighs. Adjust the baking time to about 20 minutes. Always check for an internal temperature of 165°F. Boneless thighs will still soak up the honey-garlic flavor well. I love serving these thighs with rice or quinoa. Steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans add color. You can also pair it with a simple salad. The sweet and savory sauce goes well with these sides. To add spice, mix in some red pepper flakes. You can also use hot sauce in the marinade. For a fresh kick, add diced jalapeños. This will give your honey garlic chicken thighs a nice heat boost! This post covered everything you need for honey garlic chicken thighs. We looked at ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for the best results. I shared ways to vary the recipe and how to store leftovers, too. Now, you have the tools to create a tasty meal. Enjoy cooking and experimenting with flavors! Your kitchen can be a fun place to find new favorite dishes.$

Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

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

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 35

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
0.25 cup honey
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
to taste Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 pieces green onions, finely chopped (for garnish)
to taste Sesame seeds (for garnishing)

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it's ready for the chicken.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and grated ginger. Whisk these ingredients together until well blended to form a flavorful marinade.
Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper on both sides, ensuring they are well coated.
In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering, indicating it's ready for cooking. Carefully place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Sear the thighs for about 5-7 minutes, or until the skin turns crispy and a deep golden brown.
Once the skin is perfectly seared, gently flip the chicken thighs over using tongs. Pour the prepared honey-garlic marinade evenly over the top of the chicken. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer.
Transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven and allow the chicken to bake for approximately 25-30 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
After baking, carefully remove the skillet from the oven using oven mitts, and let the chicken rest for a few minutes to retain its juices.
Just before serving, garnish the chicken thighs with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Notes

For best results, let the chicken rest after baking to retain its juices.

Keyword chicken, dinner, honey garlic, thighs