Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

The sweet aroma of honey and garlic caramelizing in the oven is irresistible. This dish combines tender chicken thighs with a rich, flavorful marinade that’s both sweet and savory.

Perfect for a quick yet satisfying dinner, these honey garlic chicken thighs are a crowd-pleaser. Serve them with rice or vegetables for a balanced meal.

Why this recipe shines

• The marinade infuses the chicken with a perfect balance of sweetness and umami from honey and soy sauce.
• Golden-brown, crispy skin adds a delightful texture to every bite.
• Baking ensures the chicken stays juicy while locking in all the flavors.

Ingredients you’ll need

• 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-step guide to making it

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats, prepare the marinade by mixing honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, black pepper, salt, and paprika in a bowl.

Place the chicken thighs in a large ziplock bag or bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag or cover the bowl, and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2 hours.

Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade, reserving the liquid for later use, and place the chicken skin-side down in the skillet. Sear for about 5-7 minutes until the skin becomes golden and crispy.

Flip the chicken thighs over and pour the reserved marinade into the skillet. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

How to store and reheat leftovers

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Ingredient swaps to try

For a lower-sodium option, use low-sodium soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce. If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.

Pro tips for perfect results

• Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel before adding to the skillet for an extra-crispy skin.
• Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to the perfect temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Deliciously marinated chicken thighs baked to perfection with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Asian

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 4 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp paprika
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, black pepper, salt, and paprika to create the marinade.
3. Place the chicken thighs in a large ziplock bag or a bowl and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2 hours.
4. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later use.
5. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet and sear for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
6. Flip the chicken thighs over, pour the reserved marinade over them, and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
7. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8. Once cooked, remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes.
9. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for longer. Serve with rice or vegetables.

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