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Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Flavorful Weeknight Meal

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For this dish, you need simple and tasty items. Here is what you will use: - 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 1/4 cup honey - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish) - Sesame seeds (for garnish) When measuring, precision helps in cooking. Here’s a guide for you: - Use a liquid measuring cup for honey. - For soy sauce and vinegar, a tablespoon works well. - A teaspoon is perfect for ginger. - Always season with salt and pepper to your liking. Garnishes add color and flavor. Here are my favorites: - Chopped green onions give a fresh taste. - Sesame seeds add crunch and visual appeal. {{ingredient_image_1}} Gather all your ingredients first. You need 4 chicken thighs, honey, garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, ginger, salt, pepper, olive oil, green onions, and sesame seeds. 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps cook the chicken evenly. 2. In a bowl, mix honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and grated ginger. Blend well to make a tasty marinade. 3. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper. This helps the flavors stick. Now we cook the chicken. 1. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil is hot. 2. Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Sear for 5-7 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown. 3. Flip the chicken thighs over. Pour the honey-garlic marinade over them. Bring it to a simmer. 4. Transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. 5. After baking, remove the skillet from the oven. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Serving honey garlic chicken thighs is easy and fun. - Place the chicken on a platter. Drizzle extra sauce from the skillet over the top. - Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. - This dish looks great and tastes even better! Serve it with rice or veggies for a full meal. To get that perfect crispy skin on your chicken thighs, start by patting them dry. Moisture makes the skin soggy. Season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides. Sear them skin-side down in a hot pan with olive oil. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown. This step creates a lovely crust that locks in flavor. You can boost the flavor of your honey garlic chicken thighs with a few simple tricks. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat. Feel free to mix in a splash of orange juice for a citrusy zing. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can also elevate the dish. Experiment with these options to find what you love best. Always preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) before baking. This ensures even cooking. Bake the chicken thighs for 25-30 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Let them rest for a few minutes after cooking to keep them juicy. Pro Tips Marinate Overnight: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in the honey garlic mixture overnight in the refrigerator. This will enhance the taste and tenderness. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Save the Drippings: After cooking, scrape the drippings from the skillet to create a delicious sauce. You can reduce it on the stovetop for a thicker consistency. Serve with Sides: Pair the honey garlic chicken with steamed rice or roasted vegetables for a complete meal that balances flavors and textures. {{image_2}} You can switch chicken thighs for other meats. Try using chicken breasts or drumsticks. If you prefer beef, flank steak works well. For a lighter option, use shrimp or firm tofu. Adjust your cooking time based on the protein you choose. Each option will soak up the sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. Grilling adds a smoky flavor. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs for 6-8 minutes on each side. Brush them with the honey garlic sauce while cooking. For slow cooking, place the chicken in a slow cooker with the marinade. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. The chicken will be tender and full of flavor. If you're avoiding soy, use coconut aminos instead. For a vegan option, replace chicken with jackfruit or tempeh. Maple syrup can substitute honey for a vegan dish. If you want less sugar, use a sugar-free honey blend. Adjust the ingredients to fit your diet while keeping the same great taste. After enjoying your honey garlic chicken thighs, let them cool down. Place them in a clean, airtight container. This keeps the chicken fresh and tasty. Store the container in the fridge. It will last for about three to four days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. When you are ready to eat leftovers, take them out of the fridge. You can reheat the chicken in the oven for the best taste. 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 about 15-20 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Just heat in short bursts, checking often to avoid overcooking. To freeze honey garlic chicken thighs, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. Label the bag with the date. The chicken will stay good in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to use it, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. You can serve Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs with many sides. Rice or quinoa works great. Steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients. A fresh salad balances the meal nicely. Mashed potatoes or roasted veggies are also tasty options. Try some crusty bread to soak up the sauce too. Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They will cook faster than bone-in thighs. Adjust the cooking time to about 20-25 minutes. Make sure they reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure they are safe to eat. The honey-garlic sauce will still stick well to them. The best way to check chicken is with a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh. The temperature should read 165°F (75°C). If you don't have a thermometer, cut into the chicken. The juices should run clear, and the meat should no longer be pink. We covered how to make tasty Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs. You learned about key ingredients, cooking steps, and smart tips. I shared variations and storage tips for leftovers. Remember, this dish is easy to adapt for everyone. Whether you grill or slow cook, you can enjoy it your way. Use this guide to impress with your cooking. I hope you try this recipe soon. Happy cooking!

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Looking to impress your family with a tasty dish that’s easy to make? Try my Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs! This flavorful meal combines sweet and savory notes, creating a delightful experience for your taste buds. Plus, it comes together quickly, perfect for busy weeknights. In this post, I’ll guide you through the ingredients, preparation, and even share some useful tips. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Sweet and Savory Combination: The blend of honey and garlic creates a delightful balance of flavors that is both sweet and savory.
  2. Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses common pantry staples, making it easy to whip up a delicious meal without a trip to the store.
  3. One-Pan Wonder: Cooking everything in a single skillet not only simplifies cleanup, but also allows the chicken to soak up all the tasty marinade.
  4. Perfect for Meal Prep: These chicken thighs can be made ahead of time and stored for quick and easy meals throughout the week.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients for Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

For this dish, you need simple and tasty items. Here is what you will use:

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
  • Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Measurement Guide

When measuring, precision helps in cooking. Here’s a guide for you:

  • Use a liquid measuring cup for honey.
  • For soy sauce and vinegar, a tablespoon works well.
  • A teaspoon is perfect for ginger.
  • Always season with salt and pepper to your liking.

Suggested Garnishes

Garnishes add color and flavor. Here are my favorites:

  • Chopped green onions give a fresh taste.
  • Sesame seeds add crunch and visual appeal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

Gather all your ingredients first. You need 4 chicken thighs, honey, garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, ginger, salt, pepper, olive oil, green onions, and sesame seeds.

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps cook the chicken evenly.

2. In a bowl, mix honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and grated ginger. Blend well to make a tasty marinade.

3. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper. This helps the flavors stick.

Cooking Process

Now we cook the chicken.

1. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil is hot.

2. Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Sear for 5-7 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown.

3. Flip the chicken thighs over. Pour the honey-garlic marinade over them. Bring it to a simmer.

4. Transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe eating.

5. After baking, remove the skillet from the oven. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Serving honey garlic chicken thighs is easy and fun.

  • Place the chicken on a platter. Drizzle extra sauce from the skillet over the top.
  • Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
  • This dish looks great and tastes even better! Serve it with rice or veggies for a full meal.

Tips & Tricks

How to Achieve Crispy Skin

To get that perfect crispy skin on your chicken thighs, start by patting them dry. Moisture makes the skin soggy. Season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides. Sear them skin-side down in a hot pan with olive oil. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown. This step creates a lovely crust that locks in flavor.

Flavor Enhancements

You can boost the flavor of your honey garlic chicken thighs with a few simple tricks. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat. Feel free to mix in a splash of orange juice for a citrusy zing. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can also elevate the dish. Experiment with these options to find what you love best.

Cooking Temperature and Timing

Always preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) before baking. This ensures even cooking. Bake the chicken thighs for 25-30 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Let them rest for a few minutes after cooking to keep them juicy.

Pro Tips

  1. Marinate Overnight: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in the honey garlic mixture overnight in the refrigerator. This will enhance the taste and tenderness.
  2. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  3. Save the Drippings: After cooking, scrape the drippings from the skillet to create a delicious sauce. You can reduce it on the stovetop for a thicker consistency.
  4. Serve with Sides: Pair the honey garlic chicken with steamed rice or roasted vegetables for a complete meal that balances flavors and textures.

Variations

Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs with Different Proteins

You can switch chicken thighs for other meats. Try using chicken breasts or drumsticks. If you prefer beef, flank steak works well. For a lighter option, use shrimp or firm tofu. Adjust your cooking time based on the protein you choose. Each option will soak up the sweet and savory honey garlic sauce.

Cooking Method Variations (Grilling, Slow Cooking)

Grilling adds a smoky flavor. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs for 6-8 minutes on each side. Brush them with the honey garlic sauce while cooking. For slow cooking, place the chicken in a slow cooker with the marinade. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. The chicken will be tender and full of flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions for Dietary Preferences

If you’re avoiding soy, use coconut aminos instead. For a vegan option, replace chicken with jackfruit or tempeh. Maple syrup can substitute honey for a vegan dish. If you want less sugar, use a sugar-free honey blend. Adjust the ingredients to fit your diet while keeping the same great taste.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

After enjoying your honey garlic chicken thighs, let them cool down. Place them in a clean, airtight container. This keeps the chicken fresh and tasty. Store the container in the fridge. It will last for about three to four days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing.

Reheating Instructions

When you are ready to eat leftovers, take them out of the fridge. You can reheat the chicken in the oven for the best taste. 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 about 15-20 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Just heat in short bursts, checking often to avoid overcooking.

Freezing Tips

To freeze honey garlic chicken thighs, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. Label the bag with the date. The chicken will stay good in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to use it, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

What can I serve with Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs?

You can serve Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs with many sides. Rice or quinoa works great. Steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients. A fresh salad balances the meal nicely. Mashed potatoes or roasted veggies are also tasty options. Try some crusty bread to soak up the sauce too.

Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They will cook faster than bone-in thighs. Adjust the cooking time to about 20-25 minutes. Make sure they reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure they are safe to eat. The honey-garlic sauce will still stick well to them.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The best way to check chicken is with a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh. The temperature should read 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the chicken. The juices should run clear, and the meat should no longer be pink.

We covered how to make tasty Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs. You learned about key ingredients, cooking steps, and smart tips. I shared variations and storage tips for leftovers. Remember, this dish is easy to adapt for everyone. Whether you grill or slow cook, you can enjoy it your way. Use this guide to impress with your cooking. I hope you try this recipe soon. Happy cookin

For this dish, you need simple and tasty items. Here is what you will use: - 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 1/4 cup honey - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish) - Sesame seeds (for garnish) When measuring, precision helps in cooking. Here’s a guide for you: - Use a liquid measuring cup for honey. - For soy sauce and vinegar, a tablespoon works well. - A teaspoon is perfect for ginger. - Always season with salt and pepper to your liking. Garnishes add color and flavor. Here are my favorites: - Chopped green onions give a fresh taste. - Sesame seeds add crunch and visual appeal. {{ingredient_image_1}} Gather all your ingredients first. You need 4 chicken thighs, honey, garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, ginger, salt, pepper, olive oil, green onions, and sesame seeds. 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps cook the chicken evenly. 2. In a bowl, mix honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and grated ginger. Blend well to make a tasty marinade. 3. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper. This helps the flavors stick. Now we cook the chicken. 1. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil is hot. 2. Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Sear for 5-7 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown. 3. Flip the chicken thighs over. Pour the honey-garlic marinade over them. Bring it to a simmer. 4. Transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. 5. After baking, remove the skillet from the oven. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Serving honey garlic chicken thighs is easy and fun. - Place the chicken on a platter. Drizzle extra sauce from the skillet over the top. - Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. - This dish looks great and tastes even better! Serve it with rice or veggies for a full meal. To get that perfect crispy skin on your chicken thighs, start by patting them dry. Moisture makes the skin soggy. Season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides. Sear them skin-side down in a hot pan with olive oil. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown. This step creates a lovely crust that locks in flavor. You can boost the flavor of your honey garlic chicken thighs with a few simple tricks. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat. Feel free to mix in a splash of orange juice for a citrusy zing. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can also elevate the dish. Experiment with these options to find what you love best. Always preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) before baking. This ensures even cooking. Bake the chicken thighs for 25-30 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Let them rest for a few minutes after cooking to keep them juicy. Pro Tips Marinate Overnight: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in the honey garlic mixture overnight in the refrigerator. This will enhance the taste and tenderness. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Save the Drippings: After cooking, scrape the drippings from the skillet to create a delicious sauce. You can reduce it on the stovetop for a thicker consistency. Serve with Sides: Pair the honey garlic chicken with steamed rice or roasted vegetables for a complete meal that balances flavors and textures. {{image_2}} You can switch chicken thighs for other meats. Try using chicken breasts or drumsticks. If you prefer beef, flank steak works well. For a lighter option, use shrimp or firm tofu. Adjust your cooking time based on the protein you choose. Each option will soak up the sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. Grilling adds a smoky flavor. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs for 6-8 minutes on each side. Brush them with the honey garlic sauce while cooking. For slow cooking, place the chicken in a slow cooker with the marinade. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. The chicken will be tender and full of flavor. If you're avoiding soy, use coconut aminos instead. For a vegan option, replace chicken with jackfruit or tempeh. Maple syrup can substitute honey for a vegan dish. If you want less sugar, use a sugar-free honey blend. Adjust the ingredients to fit your diet while keeping the same great taste. After enjoying your honey garlic chicken thighs, let them cool down. Place them in a clean, airtight container. This keeps the chicken fresh and tasty. Store the container in the fridge. It will last for about three to four days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. When you are ready to eat leftovers, take them out of the fridge. You can reheat the chicken in the oven for the best taste. 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 about 15-20 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Just heat in short bursts, checking often to avoid overcooking. To freeze honey garlic chicken thighs, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. Label the bag with the date. The chicken will stay good in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to use it, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. You can serve Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs with many sides. Rice or quinoa works great. Steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients. A fresh salad balances the meal nicely. Mashed potatoes or roasted veggies are also tasty options. Try some crusty bread to soak up the sauce too. Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They will cook faster than bone-in thighs. Adjust the cooking time to about 20-25 minutes. Make sure they reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure they are safe to eat. The honey-garlic sauce will still stick well to them. The best way to check chicken is with a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh. The temperature should read 165°F (75°C). If you don't have a thermometer, cut into the chicken. The juices should run clear, and the meat should no longer be pink. We covered how to make tasty Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs. You learned about key ingredients, cooking steps, and smart tips. I shared variations and storage tips for leftovers. Remember, this dish is easy to adapt for everyone. Whether you grill or slow cook, you can enjoy it your way. Use this guide to impress with your cooking. I hope you try this recipe soon. Happy cooking!

Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Deliciously marinated chicken thighs with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 0.25 cup honey
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 pieces green onions, chopped (for garnish)
  • to taste sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and grated ginger. Mix well to create a marinade.
  • 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 the oil is hot, place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Sear for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
  • Flip the chicken thighs over and pour the honey-garlic marinade over them. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  • Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is tender.
  • Once done, remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
  • Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

Serve the chicken thighs on a platter, drizzled with extra sauce from the skillet. A sprinkle of sesame seeds and a few sprigs of green onion will add a pop of color and make the dish visually appealing.
Keyword chicken, easy recipe, honey garlic, thighs

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