Syrian Spiced Honey Chicken

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 3 tablespoons honey - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon ground coriander - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ½ teaspoon allspice - 1 teaspoon paprika - 2 garlic cloves, minced - Juice of 1 lemon - Salt and pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) The chicken thighs bring great flavor and tenderness. They soak up the marinade well. Honey adds a nice sweetness. It balances the spices perfectly. Olive oil helps to keep the chicken moist. Spices like cumin and coriander add warmth. Cinnamon and allspice give it a cozy taste. Garlic adds a punch of flavor. Lemon juice brightens the dish. Fresh parsley adds color and freshness at the end. If you can’t find chicken thighs, use chicken breasts. They will still taste great but may be less juicy. For honey, maple syrup works well too. If you're out of coriander, try using dried oregano. You can skip the allspice if you don’t have it. Instead, add a bit more cinnamon or nutmeg. If you want a spicier kick, use cayenne pepper instead of paprika. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather all your marinade ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine: - 3 tablespoons honey - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon ground coriander - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ½ teaspoon allspice - 1 teaspoon paprika - 2 minced garlic cloves - Juice of 1 lemon - Salt and pepper to taste Mix these well. You want a smooth mixture that smells great. The honey gives a sweet touch, while the spices add warmth. Next, add your chicken thighs to the marinade. Make sure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour. If you have time, letting it sit overnight will give even better flavor. Now, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats, prepare your baking dish. Line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place the marinated chicken thighs in the dish. Don’t forget to save some marinade for later! Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C). Halfway through, brush the chicken with the reserved marinade for added flavor. After baking, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This keeps it juicy. Finally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Enjoy this tasty dish! Marinating chicken is key to flavor. I suggest you marinate your chicken for at least 1 hour. For the best taste, let it sit overnight. This allows the spices to soak in well. The longer the chicken sits, the more it will taste like the spices. To keep your chicken juicy, do not overcook it. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer for the best results. Brush the chicken with leftover marinade halfway through cooking. This adds more moisture and flavor. Serve your Syrian Spiced Honey Chicken on a large platter. Drizzle any remaining juices over the top. Pair it with fluffy couscous or a fresh green salad. You can also include warm pita bread for a complete meal. Fresh parsley on top adds color and a fresh taste. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Deeper Flavor: For the best flavor, let the chicken marinate overnight. This allows the spices to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and lemon juice will enhance the flavor of the marinade. Opt for fresh herbs when garnishing for a vibrant touch. Check Internal Temperature: Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Rest Before Slicing: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking. This helps retain juices, ensuring each bite is tender and moist. {{image_2}} You can swap chicken thighs for other meats. Try using chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat. Turkey thighs also work well, giving a unique flavor. For a plant-based option, consider using tofu or tempeh. Just marinate and bake them the same way. These alternatives will soak up the spices and honey, creating a delicious meal. Want more heat? Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch and taste as you go. For milder flavor, reduce the paprika or skip the spicy elements. You can also add a touch of honey for a sweet contrast to the heat. Adjusting spice levels lets you create a dish perfect for your taste buds. You can add veggies to your dish for extra flavor and nutrition. Bell peppers, zucchini, or red onions roast well with chicken. Chop them into bite-sized pieces and mix them with the marinade. Place them in the baking dish alongside the chicken. They will soak up the flavors and become tender, making your meal more vibrant and tasty. After you bake the Syrian spiced honey chicken, let it cool down. Place the chicken in a shallow dish for faster cooling. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the fridge if you plan to eat it within three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. To reheat the chicken, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Cover the dish with foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also use a microwave. Just heat in short bursts, checking often to avoid overcooking. If you freeze the chicken, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap first. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, move the chicken to the fridge for a night to thaw. You can also use the microwave for quick thawing, but this may change the texture. Always ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) when reheating. The spices in Syrian Spiced Honey Chicken create a warm and rich flavor. You use ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cinnamon, allspice, and paprika. Each spice adds a unique taste. Cumin gives a nutty flavor, while coriander adds brightness. Cinnamon offers warmth, and allspice brings a hint of sweetness. Paprika adds color and a mild peppery taste. Together, these spices make the chicken savory and aromatic. Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs. Chicken breasts are leaner and cook faster. However, thighs are juicier and more flavorful. If you choose breasts, reduce the cooking time. Check for doneness to avoid dry chicken. The key is to keep the marinade and spices the same. This keeps the dish tasty and satisfying. To check if the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). You can also cut into the thickest part of the chicken. The juices should run clear, not pink. If you don’t have a thermometer, ensure the chicken is firm to the touch. Proper cooking ensures a safe and delicious meal. This post covered all you need for Syrian Spiced Honey Chicken. We explored key ingredients and shared fact-based insights. You learned step-by-step how to prepare and bake the chicken perfectly. I also gave tips for juicy results and easy serving ideas. You can switch proteins or spice levels to fit your taste. Finally, I provided storage and reheating tips. Follow this guide for a tasty meal that is sure to impress. Enjoy your cooking adventure!$

A flavorful dish featuring marinated chicken thighs baked to perfection with a sweet and spicy glaze.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 1 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine Syrian

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
0.5 teaspoon allspice
1 teaspoon paprika
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 piece lemon, juiced
to taste salt
to taste pepper
to garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine honey, olive oil, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cinnamon, allspice, paprika, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.
Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place the marinated chicken thighs in the dish, reserving any remaining marinade.
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Halfway through baking, brush the chicken with the reserved marinade for extra flavor.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Garnish the chicken with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve with couscous or a green salad for a complete meal.

Keyword baked, chicken, honey, marinade, spiced