Honey Garlic Glazed Baked Chicken Thighs

Introduction

Honey Garlic Glazed Baked Chicken Thighs is one of those dishes that strikes the perfect balance between sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness. The chicken thighs are juicy and tender on the inside while coated with a sticky, caramelized honey garlic glaze that makes every bite irresistible.

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights because it’s easy, quick, and family-friendly, but it’s also impressive enough to serve at a dinner party. The glaze pairs wonderfully with rice, potatoes, or roasted vegetables, making it a versatile and satisfying meal.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s comfort food at its finest. The honey caramelizes beautifully in the oven, the garlic adds depth, and the soy sauce balances the sweetness with a hint of umami. Unlike chicken breasts, thighs stay juicy even after baking, making this dish foolproof.

It’s also a one-pan wonder—just mix the glaze, pour it over the chicken, and let the oven do the magic. The aroma of honey and garlic roasting together is absolutely mouthwatering.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Juicy, flavorful chicken every time.
• Sticky, glossy glaze that clings to the meat.
• Simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
• A quick recipe that feels gourmet.
• Perfect for both family meals and entertaining guests.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: ~380 kcal

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: Asian-inspired / Fusion
• Course: Main Course, Dinner

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 ½ lbs / 1.1 kg)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Honey Garlic Glaze

• ½ cup honey
• ¼ cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
• 5 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp ground ginger (optional, adds warmth)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry, for thickening if needed)
• 1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley or green onions (for garnish)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Season and sear chicken thighs.
2. Make honey garlic glaze.
3. Coat chicken with glaze and bake until caramelized.
4. Garnish and serve hot.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels (this helps the skin crisp).
• Season with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

• Heat olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet (cast iron works best).
• Place chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 4–5 minutes until golden and crispy.
• Flip and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Glaze

• In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
• Pour sauce over chicken in the skillet.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken

• Transfer skillet to the oven.
• Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, basting once or twice with pan juices, until chicken is cooked through (165°F / 74°C internal temp).
• If the glaze looks thin, simmer juices on the stove and whisk in cornstarch slurry to thicken.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

• Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped parsley/green onions on top.
• Serve hot with sides of choice.

How to Serve

• Best served with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
• For a fresh balance, add a side of coleslaw or cucumber salad.
• Drizzle extra glaze over chicken and sides for maximum flavor.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness.
• Pat chicken dry before cooking for crispier skin.
• Adjust sweetness: add more honey if you like sweeter, or more vinegar for tang.
• Always let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to retain juices.

Variations

• Spicy Honey Garlic: Add 1–2 tsp sriracha or chili flakes to the glaze.
• Citrus Twist: Add orange or lime juice to the glaze.
• Garlic Butter Honey: Stir in 1 tbsp melted butter for richer flavor.
• Boneless Option: Use boneless thighs—reduce bake time to 20–25 minutes.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken with glaze for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes, or in skillet on low heat until warmed through.

Special Equipment Needed

• Oven-proof skillet (cast iron recommended) or baking dish
• Meat thermometer (for checking doneness)
• Tongs for flipping chicken

Conclusion

Honey Garlic Glazed Baked Chicken Thighs is a recipe that delivers bold flavors with minimal effort. Juicy chicken, a sticky-sweet glaze, and the irresistible aroma of roasted garlic make this dish a true crowd-pleaser.

It’s versatile enough for a quick weeknight meal yet special enough for entertaining guests. With its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors, this recipe will easily become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

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Honey Garlic Glazed Baked Chicken Thighs

Author: admin Cuisine: Asian Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 35 mins Total Time 50 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: 380 kcal

Description

Honey Garlic Glazed Baked Chicken Thighs is one of those dishes that strikes the perfect balance between sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Chicken

• 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 ½ lbs / 1.1 kg)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Honey Garlic Glaze

• ½ cup honey
• ¼ cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
• 5 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp ground ginger (optional, adds warmth)
• 1 tbsp 1 cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry, for thickening if needed)
• 1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley or green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat & Prep : Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels (this helps the skin crisp). Season with salt and pepper.
2. Step 2: Sear the Chicken : Heat olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet (cast iron works best). Place chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 4–5 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
3. Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Glaze : In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Pour sauce over chicken in the skillet.
4. Step 4: Bake the Chicken : Transfer skillet to the oven. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, basting once or twice with pan juices, until chicken is cooked through (165°F / 74°C internal temp). If the glaze looks thin, simmer juices on the stove and whisk in cornstarch slurry to thicken.
5. Step 5: Garnish & Serve : Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped parsley/green onions on top. Serve hot with sides of choice.

Keywords: Honey Garlic Glazed Baked Chicken Thighs