Get ready to transform your dinner routine with the most mouthwatering, flavor-packed chicken recipe that will have your family begging for seconds! These Baked Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs are not just a meal, they're a culinary experience that combines the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors in one easy-to-make dish. Whether you're a busy home cook or a weekend kitchen warrior, this recipe promises restaurant-quality results with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your chicken thighs will cook evenly and develop a nice glaze.
- In a medium bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and olive oil. Whisk the ingredients together until well mixed. This mixture will serve as both a marinade and a glaze for the chicken.
- Take the chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the skin to crisp up during baking. Season both sides of the chicken thighs with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large baking dish, place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up. Pour the honey garlic mixture over the chicken, ensuring that each thigh is well coated. You can use a brush or spoon to spread the glaze evenly if needed.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will help to keep the chicken moist during the initial cooking phase.
- Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. This allows the chicken to cook through while absorbing the flavors of the marinade.
- After 25 minutes, remove the foil from the baking dish. This will allow the chicken to brown and caramelize. Bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
- Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.
- Before serving, drizzle any remaining honey garlic sauce from the baking dish over the chicken for extra flavor. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh touch.
- Serve the baked honey garlic chicken thighs with your choice of sides, such as rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Tips
- Pat the chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to ensure crispy, golden-brown skin that locks in maximum flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness - chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- For extra caramelization, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for the most tender and flavorful results.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is incredibly moist and succulent.
- If you prefer less sweet, reduce the honey by 1-2 tablespoons and add a splash of rice vinegar for balanced flavor.
- Marinate the chicken for 30 minutes to 2 hours before cooking for even more intense flavor absorption.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 145mg
