Get ready to transform your dinner routine with the most irresistible Sticky Honey Lemon Ginger Chicken that will make your taste buds dance! Imagine tender, juicy chicken thighs glazed with a mouthwatering blend of sweet honey, zesty lemon, and spicy ginger - a flavor explosion that will have your family begging for seconds. This Asian-inspired dish is not just a meal; it's a culinary adventure that's surprisingly easy to create in your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the chicken thighs. Pat them dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken.
- In a medium bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well blended, creating a flavorful marinade.
- Place the seasoned chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. For best results, marinate for up to 2 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easier cleanup.
- Once the chicken has marinated, remove it from the refrigerator and transfer the chicken thighs to the prepared baking dish, discarding any remaining marinade.
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The chicken should be golden brown and sticky from the honey glaze.
- During the last 5 minutes of baking, you can turn on the broiler for a couple of minutes to achieve a nice caramelization on the top. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken more tender and juicy.
- To serve, garnish the sticky honey lemon ginger chicken with chopped green onions for a pop of color and added flavor. Pair it with steamed rice or your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden exterior.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes, but aim for 2 hours if possible for maximum flavor infusion.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches 165°F for perfect doneness.
- For extra caramelization, don't skip the broiler step - but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy and tender.
- Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for the most flavor and moistest results.
- Fresh ingredients like real ginger and fresh garlic make a huge difference in the final taste.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 295kcal
Carbohydrates: 19g
Protein: 24g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 70mg
