Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Ingredients

4 chicken thighs, bone in and skin intact.

1 tsp Onion Powder

1 tsp Garlic powder

1 tsp Paprika

1 tbsp Olive Oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce:

4 tbsp butter, melted

2 tsp minced garlic

3 tbsp honey

2 tbsp water

1 tbsp Soy Sauce

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375*

Place the chicken thighs into a bowl and drizzle them with the Olive Oil

Sprinkle the seasonings onto the chicken

Place the chicken on a prepared baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes, Flip the chicken to the other side and bake for another 20 minutes

Mix the ingredients for the sauce in a bowl

Coat each piece of chicken with some sauce and place it in the oven until it is caramelized.

Enjoy!

Notes:

Cooking Variations: You can grill the chicken thighs instead of baking them for a smokier flavor. Alternatively, you can pan-sear them for a crispy skin before finishing in the oven.

Customizing the Sauce: Adjust the sweetness of the sauce by adding more or less honey according to your taste preference. You can also add a splash of vinegar for a tangier flavor profile.

Meal Prep Friendly: These honey garlic chicken thighs are great for meal prep. You can make a batch ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for easy reheating during the week.

Boneless vs. Bone-In Thighs: While bone-in thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful, you can use boneless thighs if you prefer. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as boneless thighs may cook faster.

Skin-on vs. Skinless: Keeping the skin on the chicken thighs helps retain moisture and adds flavor, but you can remove the skin if you prefer a lighter dish.

Serving Suggestions: Garnish the chicken thighs with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for added texture and color. Serve with a side of steamed rice or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Adjusting Spices: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to suit your taste. Add more garlic powder for extra garlic flavor or sprinkle some chili flakes for a spicy kick.

Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of chicken broth or water. Conversely, if it’s too thin, you can simmer it for a few minutes to reduce and thicken.

Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all the ingredients, including the soy sauce, are gluten-free if you need to make this dish gluten-free. Substitute tamari or coconut aminos for soy sauce if necessary.

Storage and Reheating: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information:

YIELD: 8 SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer.

Keep in mind that boneless thighs may cook a bit faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they don’t overcook and dry out.

What can I serve with honey garlic chicken thighs?

Honey garlic chicken thighs go well with a variety of side dishes, such as steamed vegetables, rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad.

You can also pair them with roasted potatoes or garlic mashed potatoes for a heartier meal.

Is there a substitute for honey in the sauce?

If you want to reduce sugar or prefer an alternative to honey, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar as a substitute.

These options will provide a similar sweetness to the sauce.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.

When you’re ready to use it, gently reheat the sauce on the stove or in the microwave until it becomes liquid again.

Stir well before coating the chicken.

What’s the best way to check if the chicken thighs are fully cooked?

To ensure that the chicken thighs are cooked thoroughly, use a meat thermometer to check their internal temperature.

The chicken is safe to eat when it reaches 165°F (74°C).

Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone.

What can I use instead of butter in the sauce?

If you want to substitute butter, you can use margarine or a plant-based butter alternative to keep the sauce creamy.

Alternatively, you can use olive oil, but keep in mind that it will yield a different flavor and texture.

Is there a way to make the dish less spicy?

To make the honey garlic chicken thighs less spicy, you can reduce or omit the minced garlic or use garlic powder instead.

Adjust the amount of garlic to your taste preferences.

You can also reduce the amount of paprika or use a mild paprika variety.

Can I marinate the chicken in the sauce before baking?

While this recipe doesn’t require marinating the chicken in the sauce beforehand, you can certainly do so if you want to enhance the flavor.

Simply coat the chicken with the sauce in a bowl or resealable bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or longer) before baking.

What side dishes pair well with honey garlic chicken thighs?

This dish pairs nicely with a variety of sides, such as steamed or roasted vegetables (like broccoli or carrots), mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple green salad.

The sweet and savory flavors of the chicken complement many side dish options.