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- 4 chicken thighs, skin-on and bone-in - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1/4 cup honey - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sriracha (increase or decrease based on spice preference) - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 teaspoon kosher salt - 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted (for garnish) - Fresh cilantro or chopped green onions (for garnish) For this recipe, you need fresh, high-quality ingredients. Chicken thighs give you juicy meat and crispy skin. The marinade is key. It combines sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and spicy sriracha. This mix makes the chicken pop with flavor. Using skin-on chicken thighs keeps moisture in while cooking. The garlic and ginger add depth. They enhance the taste without overpowering it. Honey balances the spice and salt. You can adjust the heat. Add more sriracha for a kick. If you prefer less spice, use less sriracha. For a nice finish, prepare garnishes like sesame seeds and fresh herbs. These add color and texture. They also make your dish look beautiful! This dish is perfect for quick meals or special occasions. It is easy and full of flavor. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Mixing Ingredients In a mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, sriracha, grated ginger, salt, and black pepper. Use a whisk to blend everything well. This helps all the flavors mix together. - Ensuring Consistency You want a smooth marinade. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water or more soy sauce. The goal is to coat the chicken evenly. - Best Practices Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Make sure each piece gets covered well. Seal the bag or cover the dish. - Marination Time Tips For best flavor, marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you can, marinate for up to 4 hours. This allows the chicken to soak up all the tasty flavors. - Searing Process Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In an oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, remove the chicken from the marinade. Sear the thighs skin-side down for about 4-5 minutes. You want the skin to be golden brown and crispy. - Baking Instructions Flip the chicken thighs in the skillet. Pour the reserved marinade over them. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Check the internal temperature; it should be 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat. Adjusting Spice Levels You can change the heat by adding more or less sriracha. If you want mild, use less. To make it spicier, add extra sriracha or some red pepper flakes. Always taste the marinade before you add it to the chicken. This way, you can find the right balance. Adding Aromatics Aromatics like onions or scallions can boost flavor. Try adding minced onions to the marinade for a sweet touch. Fresh herbs, like basil or rosemary, can also bring a new twist. They add freshness and depth to the dish. Importance of Searing Searing the chicken is key. It creates a golden, crispy skin that locks in juices. Use a hot skillet to get that perfect sear. Don’t rush this step; it makes a big difference in taste and texture. Using a Meat Thermometer A meat thermometer is your best friend. It takes the guesswork out of cooking. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken. Aim for 165°F (74°C) for safe and juicy chicken thighs. This ensures your meal is cooked perfectly every time. Garnishing Ideas Make your dish pop with garnishes. Toasted sesame seeds add crunch and flavor. Fresh cilantro or green onions provide color and freshness. Sprinkle them on right before serving to make the dish look inviting. Serving Pairings Pair your chicken with steamed rice or a crisp salad. Rice soaks up the sauce and complements the flavors well. A fresh salad adds a nice crunch and balances the meal. It’s a simple way to round out your dish. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Deeper Flavor: If you have the time, marinate the chicken thighs for up to 4 hours or even overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply, resulting in a more flavorful dish. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure perfectly cooked chicken, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should read 165°F (74°C) to guarantee safety and juiciness. Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to modify the amount of sriracha in the marinade according to your spice preference. Start with a smaller amount if you're sensitive to heat, and gradually increase it for a spicier kick. Rest Before Serving: After removing the chicken from the oven, let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is succulent and tender. {{image_4}} You can use chicken breast instead of thighs. They cook faster but may dry out. Another option is to use drumsticks for a fun twist. If you prefer a different meat, try pork or tofu. Both can soak up the sweet and spicy marinade well. If you want a different flavor, swap honey for maple syrup or agave. Brown sugar adds a rich taste, while coconut sugar gives a nice caramel note. Just remember, each sweetener changes the flavor a bit. Grilling adds a smoky taste to your chicken. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Marinate the chicken as usual, then place it on the grill. Cook for 6-8 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to check for a safe temp of 165°F (74°C). For a hands-free meal, use a slow cooker. Place the marinated chicken in the cooker. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. The chicken will be super tender and full of flavor. - Storing Leftovers: Place leftover chicken in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure to store the chicken in the fridge within two hours of cooking. - Reheating Tips: To reheat, put the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. This helps keep it juicy. You can also use a microwave, but the oven is best for crispiness. - How to Freeze: If you want to keep the chicken longer, freeze it. First, let it cool completely. Then, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. This method prevents freezer burn. You can freeze the chicken for up to 3 months. - Thawing Process: To thaw, move the chicken from the freezer to the fridge. Let it sit overnight. If you need it fast, you can use the microwave. Just make sure to cook it right after thawing for safety. How long to marinate chicken thighs? Marinate chicken thighs for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, marinate up to 4 hours. The longer you marinate, the tastier the chicken becomes. Can I use skinless chicken thighs? Yes, you can use skinless chicken thighs. They will cook faster and may have less fat. You might miss some crispiness, but the flavor will still shine through. What sides go well with Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs? Great sides include steamed rice, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables. These options balance the spicy and sweet flavors of the chicken. Why is my chicken not crispy? If your chicken is not crispy, check the heat. Searing must be on medium-high heat. Ensure the chicken skin is dry before cooking, and avoid overcrowding the pan. How to know when the chicken is done? Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, check that juices run clear when pierced. This blog post covered everything you need to make Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs. We explored key ingredients, including the chicken and marinade, and learned how to marinate and cook the chicken perfectly. We also shared helpful tips for flavor and presentation. Lastly, we discussed variations and storage. Enjoy experimenting with these techniques. Each step allows for creativity, so don’t hesitate to make it your own. Happy cooking!

Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

A flavorful dish featuring chicken thighs marinated in a spicy honey garlic sauce, baked to perfection.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces chicken thighs, skin-on and bone-in
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted
  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro or chopped green onions

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, vigorously whisk together the minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, sriracha, grated ginger, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
  • Marinate the Chicken: Transfer the chicken thighs to a resealable plastic bag or a shallow glass dish. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, ensuring each thigh is thoroughly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, marinating for up to 4 hours will deepen the flavor.
  • Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat while you prepare the chicken.
  • Sear the Chicken: In an oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later, and place them skin-side down in the skillet. Sear for about 4-5 minutes or until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
  • Bake the Chicken: Carefully flip the chicken thighs over in the skillet, then pour the reserved marinade over the top of the chicken. Immediately transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reads 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
  • Finish and Serve: Once the chicken is fully cooked, carefully remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. Before serving, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or green onions for a vibrant finish.

Notes

Serve with steamed rice or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Keyword baked, chicken, garlic, honey, spicy