Finding reliable Chicken Thigh Recipes can totally change your weeknight dinner rotation. We all get stuck in a rut sometimes. You know the feeling. You stare into the fridge and wonder what to make that is not boring dry chicken breast again.
That is where this honey garlic chicken comes in. It is one of those Meals With Chicken Thighs that checks every box. It is sweet. It is savory. It has a sticky sauce that you will want to put on everything.
Dark meat is naturally more flavorful and forgiving than white meat. It stays juicy even if you leave it in the oven a minute too long. This recipe takes advantage of that natural richness.
Plus, it is incredibly budget friendly. Chicken Thigh Recipes are often kinder to your wallet than other cuts. You get big flavor without the big price tag. It is a win for everyone at the table.
If you are new to cooking dark meat, do not worry. This guide will walk you through everything. We will cover how to get that sauce just right and how to ensure the meat is cooked through perfectly.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You are going to fall in love with this dish for so many reasons. First off, it is a truly Easy Chicken Dinner. You do not need a culinary degree to pull this off. It is straightforward and honest food.
The flavor profile is a huge draw. The combination of honey and garlic is a classic for a reason. It balances sweetness with a punch of savory goodness. The soy sauce adds that salty depth we all crave.
Another reason this is one of my favorite Chicken Thigh Recipes is the minimal cleanup. You do most of the work in a single baking dish. Less time scrubbing pans means more time relaxing after dinner.
It is also very adaptable. While we use bone in thighs here, you can easily swap things around. We will talk about how to use Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs later if that is what you have on hand.
Ingredients
The grocery list for this recipe is short and sweet. You likely have most of these items in your pantry already. Here is what you need to gather to get started.
- 6 to 8 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper, or to taste
- ⅓ cup honey
- ½ cup low sodium soy sauce
- 4 to 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon sesame seed oil
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon hot sauce, or to taste
- Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
Each ingredient plays a specific role. The flour helps create a slight crust on the chicken. This grabs onto the sauce later. The dried oregano adds a subtle herbal note that grounds the sweetness of the honey.
Fresh garlic is non negotiable here. It provides a sharp bite that cuts through the rich soy and honey mixture. If you love garlic, feel free to add an extra clove. No one will judge you.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Let’s get cooking. This process is simple, but following the steps ensures the best result. Here is how to make one of the tastiest Chicken Thigh Recipes out there.
Step 1: Prep The Oven And Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. A hot oven is crucial for getting the chicken cooked through properly. While it heats up, prepare your workspace.
Take a 9×13 baking dish and lightly grease it with cooking spray. Set this aside for now. Having your pan ready to go makes the assembly process much smoother.
Step 2: Coat The Chicken
Grab a shallow plate. Combine the flour, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix these dry ingredients until they are well blended.
Now, pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the flour stick better. Take each thigh and coat it in the flour mixture. Shake off any extra loose flour.
Place the coated chicken into your prepared baking dish. Arrange them in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan too much, as you want heat to circulate evenly.
Step 3: Make The Sauce
In a small mixing bowl, it is time to build the flavor. Whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, chopped parsley, sesame seed oil, rice vinegar, and hot sauce.
Pour this mixture over the chicken thighs in the baking dish. Make sure to coat them evenly with the honey garlic sauce. Flip the pieces over to ensure both sides get some love from the sauce.
Step 4: Bake Until Done
Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered. You will want to cook it for 30 to 35 minutes. The smell filling your kitchen will be amazing.
The chicken is done when the internal temperature hits 165°F. Remove it from the oven and let it stand for 5 to 8 minutes. This rest time lets the juices redistribute.
Step 5: Garnish And Serve
Finally, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top for a nice crunch and visual appeal. Serve it warm with your favorite sides. It is truly an Easy Chicken Dinner that feels special.
How To Store Leftovers
If you are lucky enough to have leftovers, they store beautifully. In fact, many people find that Meals With Chicken Thighs taste even better the next day as the flavors meld.
Place any remaining chicken in an airtight container. It will stay good in the refrigerator for up to three or four days. Make sure the container seals tight to keep the fridge from smelling like garlic.
To reheat, you can use the microwave for a quick fix. However, reheating in the oven at a low temperature helps maintain the texture better. Just cover it with foil to prevent drying out.
You can also freeze the cooked chicken. Let it cool completely first. Store it in a freezer safe bag or container for up to three months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Tips
Here are a few pointers to ensure this recipe turns out great every time. Small adjustments can make a big difference in Chicken Thigh Recipes.
First, let’s talk about the meat. This recipe calls for bone in skin on thighs. However, you can use Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs if you prefer. They are leaner and easier to eat.
If you use Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, remember that they cook faster. You might only need 20 to 25 minutes in the oven. Always use a thermometer to check for that 165°F mark.
For those needing a gluten free version, swap the flour for cornstarch. You should also use tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce. It tastes just as good.
Adjusting the heat is easy too. The recipe uses a bit of hot sauce for a mild kick. If you like it spicy, add red pepper flakes or sriracha. If you hate spice, just skip it entirely.
Honey is key for the sweetness, but maple syrup works as a substitute. It gives a slightly more earthy flavor that is perfect for autumn. Don’t be afraid to experiment with what is in your cupboard.
Checking for doneness is crucial. The best way to know your chicken is safe is by using an instant read thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding the bone.
Conclusion
There you have it. A simple, flavorful dish that proves Chicken Thigh Recipes deserve a spot in your weekly lineup. It requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction.
Whether you are cooking for a family or just meal prepping for yourself, this Easy Chicken Dinner is a solid choice. It pairs well with rice, steamed veggies, or even a simple side salad.
Give this recipe a try next time you are stuck on what to make. The sweet and savory sauce is bound to become a household favorite. Happy cooking!
FAQ
Can I Make This With Chicken Breast?
Yes, you can use chicken breast or tenders. Just keep in mind that white meat dries out faster than dark meat. You will need to watch the cooking time closely to avoid dry chicken.
Is This Recipe Gluten-Free?
It can be easily adapted. Use cornstarch instead of all purpose flour for the coating. Also, ensure you use a certified gluten free tamari instead of standard soy sauce.
What Can I Serve With This?
This dish goes great with white or brown rice to soak up the extra sauce. Steamed broccoli, roasted green beans, or bok choy are also excellent vegetable options to complete the meal.
Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
This easy honey garlic chicken thigh recipe is a perfect weeknight dinner, offering a balance of sweet and savory flavors with a delicious sticky sauce. It’s forgiving, budget-friendly, and requires minimal cleanup, making it a family favorite.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- In a shallow plate, combine flour, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Pat chicken thighs dry, then coat each thigh in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Place coated chicken in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, chopped parsley, sesame seed oil, rice vinegar, and hot sauce. Pour this sauce evenly over the chicken thighs, flipping to ensure both sides are coated.
- Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven and let stand for 5 to 8 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and serve warm with your favorite sides.
Notes
This recipe calls for bone in skin on thighs. However, you can use Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs if you prefer. They are leaner and easier to eat. If you use Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, remember that they cook faster. You might only need 20 to 25 minutes in the oven.
For those needing a gluten free version, swap the flour for cornstarch. You should also use tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce.
Checking for doneness is crucial. The best way to know your chicken is safe is by using an instant read thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding the bone.
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