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For this tasty honey garlic chicken thighs recipe, you need a few simple items. Here’s what you’ll use: - 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 2 tablespoons sesame oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish) - 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish) Each ingredient plays a key role in building flavor. The honey gives sweetness, while soy sauce adds a savory touch. Garlic and ginger bring warmth and zest to the dish. If you don’t have something on hand, here are some easy swaps: - Chicken thighs: You can use chicken breasts, but they may dry out. - Honey: Maple syrup works well for a different flavor. - Soy sauce: Tamari is a gluten-free option that tastes great. - Apple cider vinegar: You can use rice vinegar for a milder taste. - Sesame oil: Olive oil is a good substitute, but the taste will change a bit. These swaps can help you make the dish even if you lack some key ingredients. The marinade is what brings everything together. Here’s what I recommend: 1. Mix the marinade: Combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ginger, apple cider vinegar, and sesame oil in a bowl. 2. Season the chicken: Sprinkle salt and pepper on the chicken thighs before adding them to the marinade. This step boosts the flavor. 3. Marinate time: Let the chicken soak in the marinade for at least 30 minutes. If you can, marinate it for up to 2 hours in the fridge. This helps the flavors soak in. These steps ensure that each bite of chicken is packed with flavor. For the full recipe, you can refer back to the main list. Start by making the marinade. In a large bowl, mix together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ginger, apple cider vinegar, and sesame oil. This mix gives the chicken its sweet and savory flavor. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Place them into the bowl, making sure each piece is coated well. Cover the bowl and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, let it marinate in the fridge for up to 2 hours. Heat a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. While it warms, take the marinated chicken from the bowl. Reserve the marinade for later use. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet. Sear them for about 5 minutes until the skin is golden brown. Flip the chicken and sear the other side for another 5 minutes. After searing, pour the reserved marinade over the chicken. This adds depth to the dish. Next, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once the chicken is seared, transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Basting the chicken with the sauce halfway through cooking keeps it moist and flavorful. After baking, take the skillet out of the oven. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes. While it rests, prepare to garnish. Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top. This adds a nice crunch and fresh flavor. Serve the chicken hot, and enjoy its rich, sweet, and garlicky taste. You can check out the Full Recipe for all the details on this dish. To get that perfect sear, start with a hot skillet. Heat your skillet on medium-high heat. Add a little oil before placing in the chicken thighs. Make sure the skin is dry; this helps it crisp up nicely. Place the chicken skin-side down and do not move it for about five minutes. This allows the skin to get golden brown and crispy. Flip the chicken and sear the other side for another five minutes. This step locks in flavor and keeps the chicken moist. Marinating the chicken is key to great flavor. Use a mix of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Let the chicken soak for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinate it for up to two hours. This longer marinating time allows the flavors to deepen. Be sure to coat every part of the chicken evenly. Save some marinade to pour over the chicken before baking. This adds an extra layer of flavor. One common mistake is not letting the chicken rest after cooking. Letting it rest helps the juices settle. Another mistake is flipping the chicken too soon while searing. Avoid this to ensure a good crust forms. Also, be careful not to overcrowd the skillet. If you add too many pieces, they will steam instead of sear. Follow these tips, and you will have great honey garlic chicken thighs every time. For more details, check the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can add veggies to the honey garlic chicken. This makes the dish colorful and healthy. Choose veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. Toss them in the marinade with the chicken. This will make them sweet and savory. Bake them together for a one-pan meal. The chicken juices will flavor the veggies as they cook. If you like heat, try adding chili flakes or sriracha. This will spice up your honey garlic chicken. Mix these spicy ingredients into your marinade. Start with a small amount, then taste and adjust. You can also add fresh sliced jalapeños before cooking. This version is great for those who enjoy a kick in their meals. A slow cooker makes this dish easy and hands-free. Just add the marinated chicken and some sauce into the slow cooker. Set it on low for 6 to 7 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken will become very tender and full of flavor. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal. Check out the Full Recipe for more details! To keep your honey garlic chicken thighs fresh, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. Always label your container with the date. To reheat, take the chicken out of the fridge. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it moist. Cover it with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes or until it’s hot. You can also use a microwave if you’re in a hurry. Just heat in short bursts until warm. If you want to freeze honey garlic chicken thighs, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy them, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. This method helps keep the flavors intact. For best results, use the Full Recipe to ensure a great meal each time. You should marinate chicken thighs for at least 30 minutes. For the best flavor, aim for 2 hours. This allows the meat to soak up all the tasty garlic and honey flavors. If you're short on time, even a quick 30-minute soak will help. Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They will cook faster than bone-in thighs. Just reduce the baking time to about 20-25 minutes. Check the chicken’s internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C). Several sides go great with Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs. Here are some ideas: - Steamed rice - Roasted vegetables - Garlic mashed potatoes - Stir-fried greens - A fresh salad These sides balance the sweet and savory flavors of the chicken. Enjoy your meal with a variety of textures and tastes. For the full recipe, check out the Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs 🧄 section. In this post, we covered key ingredients for honey garlic chicken, along with substitutions. You learned about marinating, cooking methods, and how to serve your dish beautifully. I shared tips for the perfect sear and common mistakes to avoid. We explored delicious variations and important storage tips. Remember, marinating enhances flavor and helps tenderize the meat. Enjoy trying different versions to find your favorite. Cooking should be fun and tasty. So, get in the kitchen and create your best honey garlic chicken!

- Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Discover the mouthwatering flavors of Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs with this simple recipe! Perfectly marinated in a delicious blend of honey, soy sauce, and garlic, these tender thighs are baked to perfection. Ideal for a family dinner or meal prep, this dish is sure to impress. Don’t miss out on making this tasty meal! Click through to explore the full recipe and bring this delight to your table tonight!
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Ingredients
  

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup soy sauce

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

2 tablespoons sesame oil

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ginger, apple cider vinegar, and sesame oil. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then add them to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.

    Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

      Sear the Chicken: Heat a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade (keeping the marinade) and add them skin-side down to the skillet. Sear for about 5 minutes until the skin is golden brown. Flip and sear the other side for another 5 minutes.

        Add the Marinade: Pour the reserved marinade over the chicken thighs.

          Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste the chicken with the sauce halfway through cooking for extra flavor.

            Finish and Garnish: Once cooked, remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top before serving.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 mins | 1 hour | 4 servings