Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

$- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 1/4 cup honey - 3 tablespoons soy sauce The chicken thighs are the star of this dish. They stay juicy and tender. The skin adds great flavor and crispiness. Honey gives a sweet touch. It balances the salty soy sauce. This mix creates a rich sauce. - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated Garlic adds a strong, savory flavor. It brings warmth to the dish. Fresh ginger adds a hint of spice. Together, they enhance the chicken's taste. They make the honey garlic sauce pop. - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - 2 tablespoons water Olive oil helps to sear the chicken. It creates a nice golden crust. Cornstarch and water make a slurry. This thickens the sauce at the end. It gives a glossy finish and a nice texture. Each ingredient plays a key role. Together, they create a tasty and easy meal. Enjoy cooking! {{ingredient_image_1}} Prepping the Oven Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial. A hot oven helps cook the chicken evenly. Mixing the Sauce In a mixing bowl, add 1/4 cup honey, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon of grated ginger. Whisk these together until well mixed. This sauce adds a sweet and savory flavor to the chicken. Searing the Chicken Season 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the chicken in the skillet skin-side down. Sear for about 5-7 minutes. You want the skin to be golden and crispy. Baking in the Oven After searing, flip the chicken thighs over. Pour the honey garlic sauce you mixed earlier over the chicken in the skillet. Now, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Thickening the Sauce While the chicken bakes, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl to make a slurry. After 20 minutes, take the skillet out of the oven. Add the cornstarch slurry to the pan juices. Stir well and return it to the oven for another 5 minutes. This helps thicken the sauce. Resting and Serving Once done, remove the skillet from the oven. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This resting time keeps the chicken juicy. Serve it drizzled with the thickened sauce, topped with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Pair with rice or veggies for a great meal! Marinating Chicken Marinating the chicken adds deep flavor. Mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger in a bowl. Coat the chicken thighs with this mix. Let the chicken sit for at least 30 minutes. For best results, marinate overnight in the fridge. Adjusting Sweetness and Saltiness Taste your sauce before cooking. You can add more honey for sweetness. If it’s too sweet, add a dash of soy sauce. This balance makes every bite tasty. Tips for Crispy Skin To get crispy skin, start with a hot skillet. Sear the chicken skin-side down for 5 to 7 minutes. Don't rush this step. It helps lock in juices and flavors. Always use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for the best texture. Checking for Doneness To check if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should be 165°F (75°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the meat. The juices should run clear, not pink. Garnishing Techniques Once the chicken is done, drizzle it with the thickened sauce. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for crunch. Add sliced green onions for color and flavor. This makes the dish look great. Serving Suggestions Serve the chicken with steamed rice or sautéed veggies. This adds balance to your meal. You can also pair it with a light salad for freshness. Enjoy your beautiful and tasty dish! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger can significantly enhance the flavor of the sauce, making your honey garlic chicken even more delicious. Don’t Skip the Searing: Searing the chicken thighs skin-side down is crucial for achieving that crispy, golden-brown skin that adds texture and flavor. Rest the Chicken: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat. Adjust the Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer on the stovetop for a few minutes after adding the cornstarch slurry before serving. {{image_2}} Grilling the Chicken Grilling chicken thighs gives them a smoky flavor. Start by marinating the thighs in the honey garlic sauce for at least 30 minutes. Heat your grill to medium-high. Cook the chicken skin-side down for 6-7 minutes. Flip and brush with more sauce. Cook until the thighs reach 165°F (75°C). This method adds a nice char and depth of flavor. Slow Cooking Options Using a slow cooker is a simple method. Combine the honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger in the slow cooker. Add the seasoned chicken thighs. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken will be tender and soak up all the flavors. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a warm meal ready. Using Different Sweeteners If you don’t have honey, maple syrup or agave nectar work well. They provide sweetness and complement the garlic nicely. Brown sugar can also be a good choice. Mix it with some water to dissolve before adding. Flavor Variations You can change the flavor with different herbs and spices. Add chili flakes for heat or lemon juice for a fresh twist. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can brighten the dish. Experimenting with flavors keeps the recipe exciting. Suggested Accompaniments Honey garlic chicken thighs pair well with steamed rice or quinoa. The rice soaks up the delicious sauce. You can also serve it with roasted or sautéed vegetables. Broccoli, green beans, or bell peppers add color and nutrients. Complete Meal Ideas For a hearty meal, serve the chicken with a fresh salad. A simple green salad or a coleslaw can balance the dish. You can also add a crusty bread to soak up the sauce. These sides make the meal satisfying and delicious. To store your honey garlic chicken thighs, let them cool first. Place leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken fresh and tasty. Store in the fridge for up to four days. For the best flavor, eat them within two days. You can freeze honey garlic chicken thighs too! Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. How long will your chicken last? In the fridge, it stays good for four days. In the freezer, it's safe for three months. Check for spoilage by looking for any off smells or changes in texture. If it smells sour or looks slimy, toss it out. You can use maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar. Each adds a unique flavor. Maple syrup gives a light sweetness. Agave nectar is mild and smooth. Brown sugar brings a rich, caramel taste. Adjust the amount to match your taste. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (75°C). Another way is to cut into the thickest part. The juices should run clear, not pink. This shows the chicken is fully cooked. Yes! You can prep the chicken and sauce a day ahead. Store them in the fridge. This makes dinner easy. Just bake when ready to serve. You can also make the sauce and keep it in a jar. Store leftovers in an airtight container. They last up to four days in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Yes, you can. Skinless thighs will still taste great. They may not get as crispy, but the sauce will still add flavor. Adjust cooking time if needed, since skinless chicken cooks faster. Absolutely! Just ensure you have a larger skillet or use two. Bake the chicken in batches if needed. Make sure to keep the same cooking time for best results. Steamed rice is a great choice. You can also serve sautéed veggies or a fresh salad. These sides balance the sweet and savory flavors. Try roasted potatoes for a hearty option too! This post covered simple ingredients and easy steps to make tasty chicken thighs. We explored main ingredients like chicken, honey, and soy sauce. You learned about helpful tips, variations, and how to store leftovers. Remember to marinate for flavor and check the chicken's doneness. Now, go cook a meal that impresses! Enjoy every bite, and share the joy. Your kitchen can be a place of fun and flavor. Happy cooking!$

Delicious chicken thighs coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
0.25 cup honey
3 tablespoons soy sauce
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
to taste salt and pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
2 pieces green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger until well combined.
Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.
In an oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs skin-side down. Sear for about 5-7 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
Flip the chicken thighs and pour the honey garlic sauce over them in the skillet.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
While the chicken is baking, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. After 20 minutes of baking, remove the skillet from the oven, and add the cornstarch slurry to the pan juices. Stir to combine and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.

Keyword chicken, easy recipe, honey garlic