Whether you’re hosting a big game day bash or just craving a satisfying snack, these Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs are the perfect crowd-pleasing choice. Juicy, tender chicken thighs are coated in a sticky-sweet honey garlic glaze and baked until perfectly crispy. Serve them up with your favorite dipping sauces and watch them disappear in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs for Game Day Feasts
These Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs are the ultimate game day treat – they’re easy to make, bursting with bold flavor, and guaranteed to satisfy even the hungriest of crowds. The combination of juicy, tender chicken, a sticky-sweet glaze, and a satisfying crispy exterior makes them irresistible. Plus, they’re the perfect shareable appetizer or main dish for your next game day gathering.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you’ll need boneless, skinless chicken thighs, honey, garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a few pantry staples. The honey and garlic create a mouthwatering glaze, while the soy sauce and vinegar add a savory, tangy balance.
- 2 lbs – Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup – Honey
- 5 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp – Soy sauce
- 1 tbsp – Rice vinegar
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken Thighs: You can use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for extra juicy, crispy results.
- Honey: You can swap in brown sugar for the honey for a deeper caramelized flavor.
How to Make Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs for Game Day Feasts
Begin by preheating your oven and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, garlic, soy sauce, and rice vinegar to make the glaze. Place the seasoned chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle the glaze over the top, making sure to evenly coat each piece. Bake the chicken until it’s cooked through and the glaze has caramelized, creating a crispy, golden exterior.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season them generously with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, garlic, soy sauce, and rice vinegar to make the glaze. Place the seasoned chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle the glaze over the top, making sure to evenly coat each piece. Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and the glaze has caramelized, creating a crispy, golden exterior.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Once the chicken is done, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped scallions or parsley for a fresh, vibrant touch. Serve the Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs with your favorite game day dipping sauces, like ranch, blue cheese, or honey mustard.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Extra Crispy: For an even crispier texture, you can broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end of the baking time.
- Spicy Twist: To make the glaze spicier, add a teaspoon or two of sriracha or chili garlic sauce.
- Flavor Variations: You can also try using different sauces or marinades, like barbecue or teriyaki, for a new flavor twist.
- Toppings: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your favorite game day toppings, like shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, or chopped fresh herbs.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: These Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with classic game day sides like celery sticks, carrot sticks, ranch dip, and blue cheese dressing.
Storage: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to help restore the crispy exterior.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the honey garlic glaze and coat the chicken thighs up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to bake.
Nutrition Information
These Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs provide a good source of protein, with approximately 25 grams per serving. They’re also relatively low in calories, with around 300 calories per serving, making them a healthier game day option.
- Serving Size: 3-4 chicken thighs
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbs: 20 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
While you can certainly use chicken breasts, we recommend sticking with thighs for this recipe. Chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful when baked with a sticky glaze like this one.
How can I make the chicken extra crispy?
To get an extra crispy exterior, try patting the chicken dry thoroughly before seasoning, and broiling it for 2-3 minutes at the end of the cooking time.
Can I prep this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the honey garlic glaze and coat the chicken thighs up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to bake.
Is this recipe spicy?
This recipe is not inherently spicy, but you can easily make it spicier by adding a teaspoon or two of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the honey garlic glaze.
What should I serve with these chicken thighs?
These Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with classic game day sides like celery sticks, carrot sticks, ranch dip, and blue cheese dressing.
Try These Next
- spicy honey garlic chicken wings for game day fun
- honey garlic bacon chicken skewers for game day
- fiery honey garlic chicken skewers for game day
Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs for Game Day Feasts
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: 🥨 Appetizers, Snacks & Party Bites
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
These Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs are the perfect appetizer for your game day feast! Juicy chicken thighs are coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
– 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Green onions, for garnish
– Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season them with black pepper.
3. In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and grated ginger.
4. Heat olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Add the chicken thighs, skin side down, and sear for 5-7 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
6. Flip the chicken thighs and pour the honey garlic sauce over them.
7. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
9. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
For extra crispy skin, make sure to pat the chicken thighs dry before seasoning. You can also adjust the sweetness and saltiness of the sauce by varying the amount of honey and soy sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 thigh
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: chicken, honey garlic, appetizer, game day