Sweet & Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

$Let’s gather the right items to make Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs. This dish is simple and tasty. - Chicken Thighs: - 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - Sauce Ingredients: - 1/2 cup honey - 4 garlic cloves, minced - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional Garnishes: - 2 green onions, thinly sliced - Sesame seeds These ingredients work together to create a sweet and sticky sauce. The honey adds sweetness, while garlic gives it a nice kick. Ginger brings warmth, and soy sauce adds depth. The green onions and sesame seeds are great for garnish, adding color and crunch. This dish is easy to make and perfect for any meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps cook the chicken evenly and gives it a nice finish. 2. Mix the honey garlic sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together: - 1/2 cup honey - 4 minced garlic cloves - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar This sauce is sweet, sticky, and packed with flavor. 3. Season the chicken thighs. Use salt and pepper on both sides. This adds a simple yet tasty base to the chicken. 1. Sear the chicken thighs. In a large oven-safe skillet, place the chicken thighs skin-side down over medium-high heat. Cook for about 5-7 minutes. You want the skin to get crispy and nicely browned. This step adds flavor and texture. 2. Bake the chicken with the sauce. After searing, flip the thighs skin-side up. Pour the honey garlic sauce over them, coating them well. Then, transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Baste the chicken with the sauce halfway through for extra flavor. 3. Check for doneness and resting time. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making the chicken more tender. Enjoy your delicious honey garlic chicken thighs! - Ensuring crispy skin on chicken thighs: Start by searing the chicken thighs skin-side down in a hot skillet. This step helps to render the fat, making the skin crispy. Keep the heat at medium-high to achieve that beautiful golden brown color. - How to avoid burning the sauce: To prevent burning, pour the honey-garlic mixture over the chicken only after searing. This way, the sauce won't get too hot while cooking the chicken. Baste the chicken halfway through baking to keep everything moist and flavorful. - Adjusting seasoning for taste: Taste the sauce before pouring it over the chicken. Add more soy sauce for saltiness or honey for sweetness. This step helps you find the perfect balance for your palate. - Marinating chicken in advance: You can marinate the chicken thighs in the honey-garlic mixture for a few hours or overnight. This method enhances the flavor and makes cooking quicker on busy days. - Reheating tips for leftovers: When reheating, do it slowly in the oven at 350°F (175°C). This method keeps the chicken juicy and prevents it from drying out. Cover it with foil to retain moisture while warming. - Making it in a slow cooker: You can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Simply place the seasoned chicken and sauce in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This method creates tender, flavorful chicken with minimal effort. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will elevate the flavor of your sauce, making it more aromatic and delicious. Get the Skin Extra Crispy: Searing the chicken thighs skin-side down for a longer time can give you an even crispier texture. Don't rush this step! Adjust Sweetness to Taste: If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of honey or balance it with more soy sauce. Rest Before Serving: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking helps retain its juices, resulting in tender and flavorful meat. {{image_2}} For a gluten-free meal, swap soy sauce with tamari. It has a similar taste and works well. If you're looking for lower-calorie options, use less honey or choose a sugar-free sweetener. You can also use skinless chicken thighs if you want fewer calories. You can switch up proteins too. Boneless chicken thighs are great for quick cooking. You can also try chicken breasts, but they may need less cooking time. For a twist, use turkey thighs or even tofu for a plant-based dish. Want some heat? Add chili flakes to the sauce. This gives your dish a nice kick. You can also mix in herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fresh taste. If you like it sweeter, add more honey. For a tangy bite, increase the apple cider vinegar. You can mix and match these ideas to create your perfect honey garlic chicken thighs. It’s all about personal taste! After enjoying your meal, let the chicken cool. This keeps it safe to eat later. If you leave it out too long, bacteria can grow. I recommend cooling it for no more than two hours. To store in the fridge, use an airtight container. This helps keep the chicken fresh. You can store it for up to four days. If you want to enjoy it longer, consider freezing. For freezing honey garlic chicken thighs, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. This method prevents freezer burn. You can freeze the chicken for up to three months. To reheat safely, you can use the oven or microwave. For the oven, set it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish. Add a bit of water or sauce to keep it moist. Cover it with foil and heat for about 20 minutes. If you prefer the microwave, use a microwave-safe plate. Cover the chicken with a damp paper towel. Heat it in short bursts, about one minute each. Check often to avoid overcooking. To maintain flavor and texture, consider the oven method. This keeps the skin crispy. Add a little honey or sauce when reheating. This will enhance the flavors and keep it tasty. Can I use boneless chicken thighs? Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They cook faster than bone-in thighs. Adjust the cooking time to about 20-25 minutes. Check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). How can I tell when chicken is fully cooked? The best way to tell is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh. If it reads 165°F (75°C), your chicken is done. The juices should also run clear, not pink. What's the best way to serve honey garlic chicken thighs? I love serving these thighs with rice or noodles. The honey garlic sauce pairs well with both. You can also add steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for color. Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping? Absolutely! Honey garlic chicken thighs are great for meal prep. Cook a batch and store in airtight containers. They last in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat for quick, tasty meals. Can I make this dish in an air fryer? Yes, you can use an air fryer! Cook at 380°F (193°C) for about 20 minutes. Flip halfway through to ensure even cooking. The skin will get nice and crispy. What side dishes pair well with honey garlic chicken thighs? Many sides work well! Try fluffy rice, steamed broccoli, or a fresh salad. You can also serve with roasted veggies or mashed potatoes. These all balance the sweet and savory flavors of the chicken. You learned how to make delicious honey garlic chicken thighs with simple steps. From the right ingredients to quick cooking tips, this guide helps you succeed. Remember to adjust flavors to fit your taste and explore variations for fun. Store leftovers properly to enjoy later. With these tips and tricks, you can impress your family with this tasty dish. Dive in and enjoy every bite!$

Sweet & Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

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

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, grated ginger, sesame oil, and apple cider vinegar until well combined.
Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.
In a large oven-safe skillet or frying pan, place the chicken thighs skin-side down over medium-high heat. Sear for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is crispy and browned.
Turn the chicken thighs over to skin-side up and pour the honey-garlic mixture over the thighs, making sure they're well coated.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, basting the chicken with the sauce halfway through. The chicken should be cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Before serving, sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top for added freshness and crunch.

Notes

For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.

Keyword chicken, easy recipe, honey garlic