Honey Soy Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe
Introduction
Honey Soy Baked Chicken Thighs offer a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors with a tender, juicy texture. This dish is easy to prepare and ideal for a weeknight dinner or meal prep. The sticky honey soy glaze caramelizes beautifully, making every bite deliciously satisfying.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
- 1 ½ tablespoons garlic, minced (about 4 large cloves)
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar (optional: apple cider or rice vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- ¾ teaspoon fresh minced ginger
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, green onions, oil, garlic, vinegar, sesame oil, and ginger until well combined.
- Step 2: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper. Place them in the marinade bowl and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes or refrigerate overnight for the best flavor.
- Step 3: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Step 4: Transfer the chicken and its marinade into a cast iron skillet or baking dish, spreading the pieces evenly.
- Step 5: Bake for 20–25 minutes, turning the chicken twice during cooking to keep it moist and evenly coated.
- Step 6: Switch the oven to broil on high and broil the chicken for 5 minutes to caramelize and slightly char the edges.
- Step 7: Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (70°C) for safety.
- Step 8: Remove from oven, garnish with chopped parsley and optional sesame seeds, and serve hot with rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.
Tips & Variations
- Marinate overnight to deepen the flavor and tenderize the chicken.
- Use skin-on thighs if you prefer a crispy skin; reduce baking time slightly.
- Add a splash of chili sauce or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for different sweetness.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Storage
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. The sauce may thicken upon cooling; add a splash of water or soy sauce when reheating to loosen it if needed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but chicken breasts cook faster and tend to dry out more easily. Adjust cooking time accordingly and consider marinating longer to keep them moist.
Is sesame oil necessary in this recipe?
No, sesame oil is optional but adds a subtle nutty aroma that complements the honey soy glaze. You can omit it if unavailable or substitute with a few drops of toasted sesame seeds for texture.
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Honey Soy Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Honey Soy Baked Chicken Thighs feature tender, juicy boneless skinless chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful blend of honey, low-sodium soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and green onions. Baked at high heat and finished under the broiler, this dish boasts a caramelized, glossy glaze with a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes. Garnished with fresh parsley and sesame seeds, it makes an easy, delicious meal served over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Marinade/Sauce
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
- 1 ½ tablespoons garlic, minced (about 4 large cloves)
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar (optional: apple cider or rice vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- ¾ teaspoon fresh minced ginger
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, green onions, vegetable oil, minced garlic, vinegar, sesame oil, and minced ginger until well combined to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season evenly with salt and pepper. Place the chicken in the marinade bowl, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for deeper flavor penetration.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the chicken thighs.
- Arrange Chicken for Baking: Transfer the marinated chicken along with all the sauce into a cast iron skillet or a suitable baking dish, spreading it evenly for uniform cooking.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the skillet or dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. During baking, turn the chicken twice to retain moisture and ensure the glaze thickens and coats the chicken beautifully.
- Broil to Finish: After baking, switch the oven to broil on high. Broil the chicken for an additional 5 minutes to caramelize the sauce and develop a slightly charred, crispy edge that adds delicious texture.
- Check Internal Temperature: Using a meat thermometer, confirm that the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F (70°C) before serving.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and optional sesame seeds over the chicken. Serve hot alongside rice, noodles, mashed potatoes, or your preferred sides.
Notes
- Marinating overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness greatly, but 30 minutes is sufficient for a quick meal.
- Using low sodium soy sauce helps control the saltiness of the dish.
- Broiling at the end creates a caramelized, slightly charred edge, adding flavor and texture.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to round out the meal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently to maintain moisture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Keywords: honey soy chicken, baked chicken thighs, Asian chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, honey glaze chicken, oven baked chicken, weeknight dinner
