Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

$- Chicken thighs: 6 bone-in and skin-on - Marinade components: honey, garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, black pepper, olive oil - Garnishes: sesame seeds, chopped green onions For a delicious dinner, you need great ingredients. I recommend using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. They stay juicy and tender during cooking. The skin also crisps up nicely, giving you that perfect texture. Next, let’s talk about the marinade. This is where the magic happens. You’ll mix honey, garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, and black pepper. Each ingredient plays a role. Honey adds sweetness, while garlic brings a bold taste. Soy sauce adds umami, and vinegar gives a nice tang. Ginger spices it up, and black pepper adds a hint of heat. Finally, don’t forget the garnishes. Sesame seeds give a nutty crunch, and chopped green onions add a fresh touch. These simple elements make your dish look and taste amazing. For the full recipe, refer to the complete instructions. Enjoy your cooking! First, gather your ingredients. In a medium bowl, combine the following: - 1/3 cup honey - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon ground ginger - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Whisk these together until you have a smooth mixture. This marinade gives the chicken its sweet and savory flavor. Now, let's marinate the chicken thighs. Place the chicken in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag or cover the dish. For best results, let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour. If you have time, marinating overnight works wonders. For cooking, you can use two methods: searing and baking. Searing the chicken thighs: - Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. - Once hot, add the chicken thighs skin-side down. - Cook for about 4-5 minutes. You want the skin to be nice and golden brown. Baking instructions in the oven: - After searing, flip the chicken thighs over. - Pour the reserved marinade over the chicken. - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the skillet in the oven. - Bake for 25-30 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). - After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. You can garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. This method ensures juicy, flavorful chicken every time! For the complete instructions, check the Full Recipe. To get that perfect crispy skin, start by patting the chicken dry. Use paper towels to remove extra moisture. This step is key for a nice crunch. Next, sear the chicken in a hot skillet. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Place the chicken skin-side down and cook for about 4-5 minutes. You want the skin to turn golden brown. This method locks in flavor and gives great texture. The best marinating time for chicken thighs is at least 1 hour. For deeper flavor, try marinating overnight. Just keep the chicken in the fridge. Make sure to coat all sides in the marinade. This will help the chicken soak up all the tasty flavors. Honey garlic chicken thighs pair well with several side dishes. Try serving them with steamed rice for a classic touch. Roasted vegetables also make a great match. You can add a fresh salad for balance. These sides enhance the meal and round out your dinner plate. Keep your meal colorful and delicious! For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions and tips. {{image_2}} You can boost the flavor of honey garlic chicken thighs with spices and herbs. Try adding a pinch of chili flakes for heat or some fresh thyme for a fragrant touch. You can also experiment with smoked paprika, which gives a nice depth to the dish. These small changes can transform your meal and make it unique. You can cook honey garlic chicken thighs in different ways. Grilling adds a smoky flavor and a nice char. Just marinate the chicken as usual, then place it on a hot grill for about 6-7 minutes per side. Baking, on the other hand, keeps the chicken juicy and tender. The method you choose can change the dish's taste and texture, so feel free to mix it up. If you want a gluten-free version, swap soy sauce for tamari. For a low-carb option, you can use a sugar substitute in place of honey. These changes make it easier to enjoy this dish while sticking to your dietary needs. Don't hesitate to get creative with your substitutions; your taste buds will thank you! For the full recipe, check out the details above. To store leftover chicken thighs, let them cool down first. Place them in an airtight container. Be sure to cover them well. Store the container in the fridge. Leftovers should be eaten within 3 to 4 days for best taste. To reheat chicken thighs, use an oven or stovetop. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. On the stovetop, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a little oil and warm the chicken for 5-7 minutes, turning to avoid burning. This method keeps the flavor rich. If you want to freeze chicken thighs, wrap them tightly. Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place them in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out the air before sealing. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To thaw, move the bag to the fridge overnight. Never refreeze thawed chicken. Enjoy your flavorful honey garlic chicken thighs later when you need a quick meal! For the full recipe, check out the previous section! The best way to marinate chicken thighs is simple and fun. Start with a bowl. Whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, and black pepper. This blend gives great flavor. Pour the marinade over the chicken in a resealable bag or dish. Seal it tight. Let the chicken sit in the fridge for at least one hour. If you can wait longer, overnight is best. This allows the flavors to soak in deeply. Cook honey garlic chicken thighs for 25 to 30 minutes in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) first. After searing them in a skillet, place the thighs skin-side up in the oven. Use a meat thermometer to check. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). This ensures juicy, safe chicken. Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They will cook faster, so adjust the time. Check them at 20 minutes instead of 25. Boneless thighs can be just as tasty. The marinade will still work well, giving you that sweet and savory bite. Serve honey garlic chicken thighs with rice or noodles for a complete meal. Steamed veggies make a great side too. Try broccoli or green beans for color and crunch. You could also pair it with a fresh salad for a light touch. Each choice balances the sweet and savory flavors perfectly. In this guide, I walked through how to make tasty honey garlic chicken thighs. We covered ingredients, marinade preparation, cooking methods, and tips for perfect results. I shared storage techniques and answered common questions. Now, you’re ready to impress with this dish. Enjoy the process and make it your own! Happy cooking!$

Discover the irresistible flavors of Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs with this simple and delicious recipe! In just a few easy steps, you'll create a meal that's not only savory but also perfect for family dinners. Marinated in a blend of honey, garlic, and soy sauce, these chicken thighs are sure to impress. Ready to elevate your dinner game?

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

6 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on

1/3 cup honey

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium)

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

Chopped green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, and black pepper to create a marinade.

Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal or cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (up to overnight for better flavor).

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easier cleanup.

Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade (reserve the marinade) and pat them dry with paper towels. This will help achieve a crispy skin when cooking.

In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Sear for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.

Flip the chicken thighs over, then pour the reserved marinade over the top of the chicken.

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4