Description
Sticky tender boneless chicken thighs in a garlic, soy and honey sauce. Minimal ingredients, simple to prepare and ready in 20 minutes!
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Ingredients
- 4 pounds of chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Honey Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for desired heat)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons water
Garnishes and Optional Add-Ins
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro (optional for fresh flavor)
Variations for Enhanced Flavor
- For a citrus twist, consider adding the juice and zest of one orange or lemon to the honey sauce.
- Swap half of the soy sauce with teriyaki sauce for a sweeter profile.
- Add a tablespoon of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce to the marinade for a spicy kick.
- Incorporate pineapple or mango chunks into the sauce during cooking for a tropical flare.
- For a smokier flavor, use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika in the chicken seasoning.
Instructions
- Gather Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all the required ingredients. You will need chicken thighs, honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Ensure you have everything ready to streamline your cooking process. - Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir the mixture until well-combined to create a flavorful marinade. - Add the chicken thighs to the marinade. Make sure each piece is coated thoroughly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial as a properly heated oven helps achieve evenly cooked chicken.
- Prepare Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. This will make clean-up easier and prevent sticking. - Arrange Chicken on Baking Sheet
Take the marinated chicken out of the refrigerator. Allow excess marinade to drip off. Place the chicken thighs skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece. - Bake the Chicken
Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). - Glaze the Chicken
While the chicken is baking, pour the remaining marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Allow it to reduce for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. - During the last 10 minutes of baking, brush the reduced marinade over the chicken. This step gives the dish its signature sticky glaze.
- Finishing Touches
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This resting period ensures the juices redistribute. - Serve your Sticky Honey Chicken hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired. Enjoy this delightful dish with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.
Notes
Add depth to your Sticky Honey Chicken by experimenting with extra flavors. Spice lovers can include red pepper flakes for a kick, or try adding sesame oil to the marinade for a nutty flavor. Consider incorporating fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions as a garnish, which not only adds flavor but also brightens the dish visually.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch & Dinner
- Cuisine: Asian, Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 472kcal
- Fat: 19g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 45g