Go Back
For this tasty dish, you need: - 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely grated - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste These ingredients create a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. The chicken thighs are juicy and tender, thanks to the honey and soy sauce blend. Seasoning is key to making your dish pop. You will use: - Salt - Freshly ground black pepper Use these to taste. They enhance the rich flavors of the chicken and sauce. Garnishing adds a lovely touch. I recommend: - 2 green onions, thinly sliced - Sesame seeds, lightly toasted These give the dish a fresh look and extra crunch. You can sprinkle them on just before serving. For the full recipe, check out the details above! Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for great chicken. While the oven heats, gather all your ingredients. Having everything ready helps the cooking flow smoothly. In a medium bowl, mix together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and fresh ginger. Add the extra virgin olive oil and toasted sesame oil. Whisk until the sauce is smooth and well blended. Set it aside to let those flavors come together. This sauce gives the chicken its sweet and savory kick. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the skin get crispy. Season both sides with salt and black pepper. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs, skin-side down. Sear them for about 5 to 7 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Next, flip the chicken thighs carefully. Pour the honey garlic sauce over each piece. Make sure every thigh is coated nicely. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) using a meat thermometer. For extra flavor, switch your oven to broil for 3 to 5 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning. When done, take the skillet out and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Drizzle any leftover sauce over the chicken for added taste. Finally, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy your meal! For the complete cooking instructions, check the Full Recipe. To get that crispy skin, start by patting your chicken thighs dry. This helps remove extra moisture. Next, season them well with salt and pepper. Heat some olive oil in a skillet until hot, then place the chicken skin-side down. Sear them for about 5-7 minutes until the skin turns golden brown. This step is key to a nice crunch. Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken's doneness. The safe internal temperature is 165°F (75°C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone. If you don’t have a thermometer, make a small cut in the meat. The juices should run clear, not pink. This ensures your chicken is cooked well. You can boost the flavor of your honey garlic chicken with simple tweaks. Try adding a splash of rice vinegar for tang. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add heat. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can brighten the dish. Experiment to find your favorite mix. For a full list of steps, check the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Breasts cook faster, so watch them closely. You can also try this recipe with pork chops or even salmon. Each meat brings a new taste. Adjust the cooking times to suit the meat you choose. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce. Start with half a teaspoon and taste. You can also use sriracha or chili paste for more heat. This change gives the dish a nice balance of sweet and spicy. It’s perfect for those who love a little zing. You can cook honey garlic chicken thighs in different ways. Grilling gives a smoky flavor. Just marinate the chicken and grill on medium heat for about 20 minutes. Baking is easy and keeps the chicken juicy. If you want, use a slow cooker for tender results. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. Each method offers a unique twist on this tasty dish. For the full recipe, check out the details above. After cooking the honey garlic chicken thighs, let them cool. This helps keep them fresh. Place the chicken on a plate and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Once cool, store the chicken in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps the chicken tender. If you want to save space, you can also wrap the thighs tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in the container. You can store cooked honey garlic chicken thighs in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure to keep them in an airtight container. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. In the freezer, they can last up to three months. Just make sure to label the container with the date you cooked them. To reheat the chicken thighs, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. This keeps the moisture in, so the chicken does not dry out. Heat it for about 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). If you want to crisp the skin again, remove the foil for the last five minutes. Alternatively, you can reheat in a microwave, but the skin may not be as crispy. Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They will cook faster than bone-in thighs. Adjust the baking time to about 20-25 minutes. Always check if the chicken reaches 165°F for safety. Boneless thighs will still soak up the honey garlic flavor well. I love serving these thighs with steamed rice. The rice absorbs the sweet sauce nicely. A fresh green salad also pairs well, adding crunch and balance. You can add steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables for extra color and nutrients. To make the sauce less sweet, reduce the honey amount. You can also add more soy sauce for saltiness. For a sweeter taste, increase the honey. Taste the sauce before pouring it over the chicken. This way, you can find the perfect balance for your meal. Yes, a slow cooker works great for honey garlic chicken thighs. Simply place the chicken in the cooker and pour the sauce over it. Cook on low for about 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. This method makes the chicken very tender and flavorful. Leftovers can last in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Store them in an airtight container. For best taste, reheat in the oven or microwave. Ensure the chicken is heated well before serving. Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken thighs. Place them in a freezer-safe container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Enjoy the same great taste even after freezing! Absolutely! Garlic bread or a light coleslaw can enhance your meal. The crunch from coleslaw contrasts nicely with the tender chicken. You may also enjoy a tangy dipping sauce on the side. Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge. When ready to cook, just follow the baking steps. This makes it easy to serve a tasty meal on busy days. You can store leftover sauce in a sealed jar or container. Keep it in the fridge for up to a week. Use the sauce for other dishes like stir-fries or marinades. It's a great way to add flavor to any meal! To make this dish healthier, use less honey and soy sauce. You can also add more veggies to the side. Consider serving with quinoa or brown rice instead of white rice. These swaps add nutrients and fiber to your meal! For the full recipe, check out the Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Delight. In this blog post, we explored honey garlic chicken thighs. I shared the key ingredients, seasonings, and garnish ideas. You learned about the step-by-step process for cooking them perfectly. We also discussed tips for crisp skin, ensuring doneness, and enhancing flavors. Plus, I covered different meat options and cooking methods. Storing and reheating leftovers was also addressed. Now, you can enjoy a delicious and easy meal that suits your taste! Experiment with flavors and enjoy every bite. Happy cooking!

Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Savor the deliciousness of Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs with this easy recipe! Perfectly seared and coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, these juicy chicken thighs are a showstopper for any dinner. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a mouthwatering meal on the table in no time. Click through to discover the full recipe and impress your family with this delightful dish!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely grated

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)

Sesame seeds, lightly toasted (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for roasting.

    In a medium mixing bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, olive oil, and sesame oil. Whisk together until well-blended and smooth, then set aside to allow the flavors to meld.

      With a couple of paper towels, pat the chicken thighs dry to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a crispier skin. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

        In an oven-safe skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, carefully place the chicken thighs skin-side down. Sear for 5-7 minutes, or until the skin develops a beautiful golden brown color and is crispy to the touch.

          Gently flip the chicken thighs over using tongs, then pour the prepared honey garlic sauce evenly over each thigh. Make sure every piece is well-coated in the luscious sauce.

            Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) when checked with a meat thermometer. This ensures the chicken is perfectly cooked.

              For an extra layer of flavor, switch your oven to broil for an additional 3-5 minutes at the end of baking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning as it caramelizes.

                Once finished, carefully remove the skillet from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes. Drizzle any remaining honey garlic sauce from the pan over the top to enhance flavor.

                  To finish, garnish with the freshly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of lightly toasted sesame seeds for a delightful crunch and presentation!

                    Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken on a large platter, drizzled with extra sauce, and accompanied by steamed rice or a fresh green salad to balance the sweetness of the dish. Enjoy your flavorful feast!