Sweet & Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

$- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 1/4 cup honey - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish) - 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish) To make honey garlic chicken thighs, gather these simple ingredients. You need four bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for a juicy bite. Honey adds sweetness and stickiness. Minced garlic gives a great aroma. Low-sodium soy sauce adds depth without too much salt. Apple cider vinegar cuts through the sweetness. Fresh ginger brings warmth and spice. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Olive oil helps with searing the chicken. For garnish, sesame seeds and green onions add a nice touch. These ingredients come together to create a dish that is sweet, savory, and satisfying. I love how easy it is to find everything at the store. Each item plays a key role in making this meal a hit. Plus, you can tweak the recipe by adding your favorite spices or herbs! {{ingredient_image_1}} Preheating the Oven First, turn your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step warms the oven and helps the chicken cook evenly. Mixing the Honey Garlic Sauce In a bowl, whisk together the honey, minced garlic, low-sodium soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and grated ginger. Mix until it’s smooth and well combined. This sauce adds a sweet and savory flavor to the chicken. Seasoning the Chicken Thighs Take your chicken thighs and sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides. This step adds flavor and enhances the dish. Cooking in an Oven-Safe Skillet Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs skin-side down. Sear them for 5-7 minutes until the skin turns golden brown and crispy. This creates a nice crust and locks in moisture. Pouring the Sauce Flip the chicken thighs over. Now, pour the honey garlic sauce over them, making sure they are well coated. This step ensures that every bite is full of flavor. Baking Time and Temperature Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). The sauce should be bubbly and thickened. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving, allowing the juices to settle. - Checking Internal Temperature To ensure safe chicken, check the internal temperature. Use a food thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). This means it is cooked and safe to eat. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. This ensures you avoid undercooked chicken. - Tips for Crispy Skin Crispy skin makes the dish more tasty. Start by drying the chicken thighs well. Pat them with paper towels before cooking. This removes excess moisture. Heat your skillet until it is hot. Cook the chicken skin-side down first. Searing for 5-7 minutes helps achieve a golden brown finish. - Recommended Seasoning Adjustments You can adjust the flavor of the sauce. If you like it spicier, add chili flakes. For a sweeter taste, add more honey. Taste the sauce before pouring it on the chicken. This way, you can make it perfect for your taste. - Using Fresh Ingredients Fresh ingredients always enhance the dish. Use fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavor. Fresh herbs, like parsley or cilantro, can brighten up the dish. They also add a nice touch when you serve it. Use fresh green onions as a garnish for a pop of color and taste. Pro Tips Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a vibrant flavor that enhances the sauce significantly compared to pre-minced options. Let It Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking helps retain its juices, making it more tender and flavorful. Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey based on your preference for sweetness; you can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Garnish Wisely: Fresh toppings like sesame seeds and green onions not only enhance presentation but also add a nice crunch and flavor contrast to the dish. {{image_2}} Using Boneless Chicken Thighs You can swap bone-in chicken thighs for boneless ones. Boneless thighs cook faster. They stay juicy, which is great for quick meals. Just adjust cooking time to about 20-25 minutes. Always check for the right internal temperature. Gluten-Free Alternatives If you need a gluten-free dish, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari offers a similar taste without gluten. You can also use coconut aminos for a lighter flavor. This makes the meal safe for those with gluten allergies. Experimenting with Spices You can spice things up by adding chili flakes. This gives the dish a nice kick. A little goes a long way, so start with a pinch. You can also try smoked paprika for a deeper flavor. It adds a nice warmth to the honey garlic mix. Adding Vegetables to the Skillet Try adding veggies to the skillet while cooking. Bell peppers, carrots, or snow peas work well. They add color and nutrients. Just toss them in during the last 15 minutes of baking. This way, they stay crisp and fresh. To keep your honey garlic chicken thighs fresh, follow these steps: - Optimal Storage Conditions: Place the chicken in an airtight container. Make sure the container seals well to keep out air. This will help maintain flavor and moisture. - Duration for Refrigeration: You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the chicken may start to lose quality. To enjoy your chicken again, use these methods: - Best Methods to Retain Flavor and Texture: The oven works best for reheating. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet, cover it with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes. This keeps the meat juicy. - Tips for Quick Reheating: If you need a faster way, use the microwave. Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Heat for 1-2 minutes, checking often to avoid overcooking. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes, you can use chicken breasts. They will cook faster but may be less juicy. Chicken thighs have more fat, making them more tender. If you use breasts, reduce the cooking time by about 10 minutes. What can I serve with honey garlic chicken thighs? You can serve these chicken thighs with steamed rice or a fresh salad. Roasted vegetables also pair well. You want something that soaks up the tasty sauce! How long can I marinate the chicken? You can marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours. This will help the flavors soak in. If you have more time, you can marinate overnight in the fridge. Can I freeze honey garlic chicken thighs? Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken thighs. Make sure to let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They will last for about 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge before reheating. You learned how to make delicious honey garlic chicken thighs. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and helpful tips. Remember to use fresh items and check the chicken's temperature for safety. Feel free to tweak the recipe with swaps or spice additions that you like. Store your leftovers properly to enjoy them later. Cooking can be fun and rewarding, so try this dish and share it with friends. Enjoy your tasty creation!$

Sweet & Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

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

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 50

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, minced
0.25 cup soy sauce (low-sodium)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
to taste salt and pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
2 pieces green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and grated ginger until well combined.
Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
Flip the chicken thighs over, then pour the honey garlic sauce over them, ensuring the thighs are well coated.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the sauce is bubbly and thickened.
Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.
Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the top before serving.

Notes

Serve with steamed rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Keyword chicken, dinner, easy recipe, honey garlic