Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

$- 4 bone-in chicken thighs, skin-on - 1/3 cup honey - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons sesame oil - 2 green onions, chopped - Sesame seeds - Mixing bowl - Whisk - Resealable plastic bag or shallow dish - Large oven-safe skillet - Oven - Meat thermometer {{ingredient_image_1}} To make the marinade, gather your mixing bowl. Add 1/3 cup of honey, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger. Sprinkle in some salt and pepper. Whisk everything together until it blends well. This mix gives the chicken a sweet and savory flavor. Take 4 bone-in chicken thighs and place them in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour your marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly. Refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. If you want a deeper flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours. This step is key for tasty chicken. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats, grab a large oven-safe skillet and add 2 tablespoons of sesame oil. Heat it on medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off, but keep the marinade for later. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Sear them for about 5-7 minutes until they turn golden brown. Flip the thighs and sear the other side for another 5 minutes. After searing, pour the reserved marinade over the chicken thighs. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The skin should look caramelized and delicious. Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps keep the juices inside. Feel free to garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve it all on a large platter, drizzling any extra sauce from the skillet on top for a beautiful finish. Enjoy your flavorful meal! To get the best taste from your honey garlic chicken thighs, marinate them well. A good marinade blends sweet honey with savory garlic, soy sauce, and hints of ginger. I like to let the chicken soak for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, two hours deepens the flavor even more. This mix makes the meat juicy and packed with taste. Start by searing the chicken in sesame oil. This step creates a crispy skin. Heat the oil over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken skin-side down for 5 to 7 minutes. When it turns golden brown, flip it and sear the other side for 5 more minutes. This technique seals in juices. After searing, bake the chicken in the oven with the reserved marinade. Bake until it reaches 165°F. This ensures the chicken is tender and fully cooked. One common mistake is not marinating long enough. Skipping this step means missing out on flavor. Another mistake is cooking at too high a heat. High heat can burn the skin before the chicken cooks through. Lastly, don’t rush the resting time after baking. Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes keeps it juicy. Follow these tips for a perfect dish every time. Pro Tips Marination Time: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible, to enhance the flavors. Heat Control: Ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken to achieve a nice sear, which helps to lock in moisture. Resting Period: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier meat. Garnish Thoughtfully: Fresh herbs and a sprinkle of sesame seeds not only enhance the presentation but also add a fresh flavor contrast. {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in this recipe. Try using bone-in chicken breasts or drumsticks. For a twist, use pork chops or tofu for a vegetarian option. Each protein absorbs the honey garlic flavor well. Just adjust the cooking time based on the protein you choose. Remember, chicken needs to hit 165°F to be safe. Feel free to get creative with the marinade. You can replace honey with maple syrup for a different sweetness. Use balsamic vinegar instead of rice vinegar for a richer taste. If you like a kick, add red pepper flakes or chili paste. These changes let you customize the flavor to your liking. Serve honey garlic chicken thighs on a large platter. Drizzle leftover sauce from the skillet over the top. Pair this dish with steamed jasmine rice or stir-fried vegetables. You can also add a fresh salad for crunch. Don't forget to sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions for a pop of color! To store leftover chicken thighs, let them cool first. Place the chicken in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it tightly. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Label the container with the date. This way, you won't forget when you made it. If you want to enjoy it later, consider freezing. To freeze the chicken thighs, follow these steps. Cool the chicken completely. Wrap each thigh in plastic wrap or foil. Place the wrapped thighs in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. When reheating, keep the chicken juicy and tasty. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Cover the dish with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). You can also reheat in the microwave for quick meals. Just cover it with a damp paper towel to avoid dryness. To check if chicken thighs are done, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh. The safe internal temperature is 165°F (75°C). If you do not have a thermometer, cut into the chicken. The juices should run clear, not pink. This method helps ensure you enjoy safe and tasty chicken. Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They will cook faster than bone-in thighs. Adjust the cooking time to about 20-25 minutes in the oven. Keep an eye on the internal temperature to ensure they reach 165°F (75°C). This option makes for quick cooking and easy eating. You can marinate the chicken thighs for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, marinate them up to 2 hours. If you want to marinate longer, do not exceed 24 hours. Longer marinating can make the chicken too salty from the soy sauce. Honey garlic chicken thighs pair well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Steamed jasmine rice - Stir-fried vegetables - Garlic mashed potatoes - Quinoa salad - Roasted broccoli These sides balance the sweet and savory flavors of the chicken. Choose your favorite for a complete meal! You now have the skills to make delicious honey garlic chicken thighs. We covered the main ingredients, key steps, and common cooking mistakes. Remember to marinate, sear, and bake to get the best flavor. Explore variations and pairings for unique meals. Proper storage helps you enjoy leftovers. Follow these tips, and you'll impress everyone with your cooking. Enjoy your time in the kitchen and have fun experimenting!$

Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

A delicious blend of sweet honey and savory garlic flavors in tender chicken thighs.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 30

Total Time 1

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

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

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, rice vinegar, grated ginger, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Reserve the marinade. Sear the chicken thighs skin-side down for about 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown. Flip the chicken and sear the other side for an additional 5 minutes.
Pour the reserved marinade over the chicken and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/75°C) and the skin is caramelized.
Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

Serve with steamed jasmine rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Keyword chicken, dinner, honey garlic