Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish brings together the best of both worlds—sweet and savory—in every bite. The chicken thighs stay tender and juicy while the honey soy glaze caramelizes in the oven, creating a deliciously sticky coating. The simple ingredients make it easy to prepare, and the results are incredibly satisfying, making this your new go-to dinner.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (preferably low-sodium)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vinegar (rice vinegar preferred)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Mix well.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel, season with salt and pepper, and place them in the bowl with the marinade. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
- Transfer the chicken and marinade to a baking dish or cast-iron skillet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping the chicken once halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- After baking, broil the chicken on high for 5 minutes to get a golden, slightly charred finish.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Marinating Time: 30 minutes (or overnight)
- Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Variations
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a quicker cook time.
- For a spicier version, add a teaspoon of chili flakes or sriracha to the marinade.
- You can replace the sesame oil with olive oil if preferred, though it will change the flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave with a splash of water to retain moisture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but chicken breasts cook faster and may dry out. Adjust the cooking time to about 20 minutes.
Can I use a different type of sweetener?
You can use maple syrup, agave, or brown sugar as substitutes for honey.
How can I make the chicken crispy?
For extra crispiness, you can broil the chicken for a few minutes at the end of cooking, as the recipe suggests.
Can I freeze the chicken thighs before cooking?
Yes, marinate the chicken and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw before cooking.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C).
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, you can roast vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers alongside the chicken for a complete meal.
What can I serve with these chicken thighs?
Serve with steamed rice, roasted potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook the chicken in the slow cooker on low for 4-5 hours and then broil it for a crispy finish.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
At least 30 minutes, but marinating overnight will enhance the flavor.
How do I store the marinade if I don’t use it all?
Store unused marinade in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
Honey Soy Baked Chicken Thighs are a flavorful and easy dish that combines sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors. With minimal prep time and maximum taste, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether served on its own or with your favorite sides, it’s a meal everyone will enjoy.
Print
Honey Soy Baked Chicken Thighs
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Honey Soy Baked Chicken Thighs are a simple, delicious dish that combines savory soy sauce with sweet honey, creating a perfectly balanced glaze. Tender, juicy chicken thighs are oven-baked to perfection with a caramelized, sticky coating. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual meal with minimal prep.
Ingredients
6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce (preferably low-sodium)
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1 tablespoon vinegar (rice vinegar preferred)
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
-
In a bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Mix well.
-
Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel, season with salt and pepper, and place them in the bowl with the marinade. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
-
Transfer the chicken and marinade to a baking dish or cast-iron skillet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping the chicken once halfway through to ensure even cooking.
-
After baking, broil the chicken on high for 5 minutes to get a golden, slightly charred finish.
-
Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For a quicker cooking time, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
Add chili flakes or sriracha to the marinade for a spicier kick.
Replace sesame oil with olive oil for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
