Imagine a dish so mouthwatering that it transforms an ordinary dinner into a culinary adventure – welcome to the world of Baked Honey Garlic Chicken! This recipe is a perfect symphony of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors that will have your family begging for seconds. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that looks impressive and tastes absolutely incredible.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, minced ginger, and black pepper until well combined to create the marinade.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a better sear and crispy skin.
- Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag, and pour the marinade over them. Ensure each chicken thigh is evenly coated. Let marinate for 10-15 minutes at room temperature.
- Transfer the marinated chicken thighs to the prepared baking sheet, arranging them skin-side up with space between each piece to allow even cooking.
- Pour any remaining marinade over the chicken thighs to enhance flavor and moisture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat.
- Optional: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions before serving. Serve hot with rice, roasted vegetables, or your preferred side dish.
Tips
- Pat the chicken dry before marinating to ensure a crispy, golden-brown skin that's packed with flavor.
- Don't rush the marinating process – even 10-15 minutes can help the chicken absorb those delicious honey garlic notes.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken every time. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- For extra caramelization, you can broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking to create a gorgeous, glossy finish.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy and tender. This allows the meat's juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is succulent and flavorful.
- Feel free to adjust the honey and soy sauce ratio to suit your taste preferences – some like it sweeter, some prefer more savory.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 336kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 21g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 70mg
