Dive into the world of flavorful and crispy chicken thighs with this Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe. Infused with the irresistible combination of sweet honey and savory garlic, this dish is a true delight for your taste buds. Get ready to experience a symphony of flavors that will bring your family and friends together around the table.
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Unlock the secrets of perfectly cooked and incredibly crispy chicken thighs in this easy-to-follow recipe. The combination of honey and garlic creates a mouthwatering glaze that caramelizes to perfection, resulting in a dish that is both visually stunning and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight meal or an impressive dish to serve guests, this Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients
This recipe calls for a handful of simple, yet flavorful ingredients that come together to create a truly exceptional dish. The star of the show is, of course, the chicken thighs, which are known for their juicy and tender texture. Complementing the chicken are the sweet honey, aromatic garlic, and a variety of spices that add depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile.
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs – the juicy and flavorful cut
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – for searing the chicken
- 1/4 cup honey – the sweet, sticky star of the glaze
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – the savory, aromatic component
- 1 teaspoon paprika – adds a touch of warmth and color
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – to season the chicken
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – to complement the other flavors
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skin-on chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs for a leaner option (adjust cooking time as needed).
- Honey: Try using a different type of honey, such as raw or infused honey, to add a unique twist to the recipe.
How to Make Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Get ready to create a dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Follow these easy-to-follow steps for perfectly cooked and incredibly crispy chicken thighs.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by thoroughly patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure maximum crispiness. Then, season the chicken with a blend of salt, pepper, and paprika.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add a generous amount of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the seasoned chicken thighs, skin-side down, and cook until the skin is crispy and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Flip the thighs and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, garlic, and any remaining spices. Pour this flavorful glaze over the chicken thighs, making sure to coat them evenly. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the glaze is caramelized.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Once the chicken is done, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring that every bite is bursting with flavor.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Marinate the chicken: For an extra layer of flavor, try marinating the chicken thighs in the honey-garlic mixture for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking. This will allow the flavors to really penetrate the meat.
- Experiment with spices: You can also experiment with different herbs and spices, such as fresh rosemary, thyme, or paprika, to customize the seasoning to your liking.
- Achieve extra crispiness: To achieve an even crispier skin, consider using a cast-iron skillet or baking the chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
- Add a tangy dip: For an irresistible pairing, serve the Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs with a tangy dipping sauce, such as a lemon-garlic aioli or a creamy ranch dressing.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
Storage: Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Reheat the chicken in the oven or a skillet to maintain the crispy skin.
Make-Ahead: This dish can be prepared in advance, with the chicken thighs cooked and the glaze made separately. Assemble and bake just before serving for a quick and easy meal.
Nutrition Information
This Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious. Chicken thighs are a great source of protein, while the honey and garlic provide additional health benefits. Each serving of this dish contains approximately 390 calories, 35 grams of protein, 16 grams of carbohydrates, and 22 grams of fat, making it a well-balanced and satisfying meal.
- Serving Size: 2 chicken thighs
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Protein: 35 g
- Carbs: 16 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Boneless, skin-on chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs for a leaner option. Just be mindful that the cooking time may need to be adjusted, as chicken breasts tend to cook faster than thighs.
How can I make the skin even crispier?
To achieve an even crispier skin, consider using a cast-iron skillet or baking the chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This will help the skin cook evenly and result in a delightfully crunchy texture.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, this dish can be prepared in advance. Cook the chicken thighs and make the glaze separately, then assemble and bake just before serving for a quick and easy meal.
What side dishes pair well with this chicken?
The Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. The sweet and savory flavors of the chicken complement these sides perfectly.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the leftover Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or a skillet to maintain the crispy skin.
Try These Next
- crispy honey garlic chicken bites with tangy dip
- crispy garlic herb chicken thighs with roasted potatoes
- honey garlic chicken thighs with roasted brussels sprouts
Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: 🍗 Chicken & Poultry Creations
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs are a delicious combination of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for dinner any night of the week!
Ingredients
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
2 tablespoons honey
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. 2. In a bowl, mix together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, and salt.
3. 3. Place chicken thighs in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil.
4. 4. Pour the honey garlic mixture over the chicken, making sure they’re well-coated.
5. 5. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and crispy.
6. 6. Optional: Broil for an additional 2-3 minutes to achieve extra crispiness.
7. 7. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the honey garlic mixture for a few hours before cooking.
Serve with rice or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 thigh
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: chicken, honey garlic, easy dinner, weeknight meal