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
Scale
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
