Honey Garlic Baked Chicken Thighs
These Honey Garlic Baked Chicken Thighs are an easy and delicious meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner. The chicken is marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, then baked until tender and caramelized, resulting in a flavorful and juicy dish.
Equipment
- Medium bowl
- Large freezer bag or shallow dish
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or foil
- Small saucepan
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2-3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 4-6 fresh garlic, minced cloves
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated or 1/2 tsp dried ginger powder
- salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes & Thickener
- Toasted sesame seeds
- sliced green onions
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water
Instructions
Preparation
- In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and grated fresh ginger. Season with salt and pepper.
- Place chicken thighs in a large freezer bag or shallow dish, then pour the marinade over the chicken to coat well. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally 2-4 hours, for maximum flavor.
Cooking
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and reserve any remaining marinade. Arrange the chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is browned and caramelized.
Glaze and Serving
- To make the glaze, pour reserved marinade into a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly. For a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another minute.
- Brush the cooked chicken with the thickened glaze before serving. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired.
Notes
For crisper skin, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. Adjust honey and soy sauce to your preference.