When it comes to weeknight dinners, nothing beats a recipe that requires minimal prep while delivering maximum flavor. These Honey Garlic Baked Chicken Thighs feature crispy-edged, tender chicken baked in a rich, sweet, and savory glaze made from honey, soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of apple cider vinegar.
Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs guarantees juicy, tender meat that absorbs all the savory pan juices while baking to golden perfection.
Below, you’ll find the complete ingredient list, step-by-step baking instructions, and pro-tips for achieving that ideal sticky glaze.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
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2 lbs (approx. 900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
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1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1/2 tsp onion powder
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Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
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1/3 cup honey
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1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
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4 cloves garlic (minced)
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1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
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1 tbsp melted butter
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Grease a $9 \times 13$-inch glass baking dish with cooking spray or a light coat of olive oil.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and olive oil. Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in your prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Whisk the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and melted butter until well blended. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken thighs.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F) and the edges begin to caramelize.
Step 5: Broil & Serve
For an extra sticky, caramelized finish, switch your oven to broil on high for 2 to 3 minutes at the end of baking. Baste the chicken with pan juices and serve warm over cooked jasmine rice or roasted veggies!
3 Pro-Tips for Perfect Baked Chicken
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Use Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs have slightly more fat than breasts, which keeps them juicy, tender, and resistant to drying out in the oven.
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Broil at the End: A quick 2-minute broil caramelizes the honey sugars, creating those irresistible dark, crispy glaze edges!
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Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer an extra thick glaze, pour the pan juices into a small saucepan after baking and simmer over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes before spooning over the meat.
Conclusion
With simple pantry staples and a single baking dish, this Honey Garlic Chicken recipe delivers a restaurant-worthy meal with almost zero cleanup. It’s a quick, family-approved dish you’ll want to add to your regular dinner rotation!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs?
Yes! Bone-in chicken thighs work wonderfully. Increase the baking time to 35 to 45 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, spooning extra sauce over the top to keep it moist.
