Deliciously Savory: Baked Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Looking for a mouthwatering chicken dish that’s both easy to make and bursting with flavor? Look no further than our Baked Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe! With tender, juicy chicken thighs coated in a sticky-sweet honey garlic glaze, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or hosting a special gathering, these chicken thighs are guaranteed to impress. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients:
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Pro Tip: For a keto-friendly version, you can substitute the honey with a sugar-free sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener.
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
- Season the Chicken Thighs:
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season them generously with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- Brown the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin side down, and cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer the chicken thighs to the prepared baking sheet, skin side up.
- Make the Honey Garlic Glaze:
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce is slightly thickened.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Brush the honey garlic glaze generously over the chicken thighs, making sure to coat them evenly.
- Bake the Chicken:
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken thighs are cooked through and the skin is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Remove the chicken thighs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Add Fresh Herbs: Enhance the flavor of the dish by adding fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme to the honey garlic glaze.
- Try Different Proteins: This recipe works well with other proteins like chicken breasts or drumsticks. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the cut of meat.
- Make it Spicy: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick of heat.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
Keto Version:
- Substitute the honey with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener to reduce the carb content.
- Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to keep it gluten-free and keto-friendly.
Low-Carb Version:
- Reduce the amount of honey or omit it altogether for a lower-carb version. You can also use a sugar-free honey substitute.
- Serve the chicken thighs with a side of roasted vegetables or cauliflower rice for a satisfying low-carb meal.
In conclusion, our Baked Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe is a delightful combination of savory and sweet flavors that’s sure to please your taste buds. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, it’s the perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a dinner party, this flavorful chicken dish is guaranteed to impress. Give it a try and enjoy the deliciousness of tender chicken thighs coated in a sticky honey garlic glaze!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe? A: Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used. However, keep in mind that the skin adds extra flavor and helps keep the chicken moist during baking.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the honey garlic glaze and marinate the chicken thighs ahead of time. Simply store the marinated chicken in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Allow the chicken to come to room temperature before baking for best results.
