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Baked Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Baked Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

  • Author: Michael
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Baked Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender, juicy chicken thighs coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory honey garlic glaze. This easy-to-make recipe uses simple pantry staples and bakes on one pan for minimal cleanup. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it pairs wonderfully with rice, roasted vegetables, or fresh salads, offering a delicious balance of sweetness and umami with a crisp, caramelized finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasonings

  • 8 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Honey Garlic Glaze

  • 1/3 cup honey (natural)
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced (fresh)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon natural gelling agent

Optional Smoky Addition

  • 1/4 cup smoked turkey bacon, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together honey (natural), minced garlic (fresh), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), olive oil, and a small pinch of natural gelling agent until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  2. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly using paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. If using smoked turkey bacon, chop it into small pieces to incorporate smoky flavors.
  3. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a shallow dish or a zip-lock bag. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Toss gently and let the chicken rest for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 4 hours refrigerated for deeper flavor infusion.
  4. Preheat the Oven and Arrange the Chicken: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper, then arrange the marinated chicken thighs skin side up on the tray. Distribute the smoked turkey bacon pieces around the chicken if using.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Bake the chicken for 35 to 40 minutes until the skin is crisp and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Halfway through the baking, baste the chicken with the leftover marinade to enhance stickiness and caramelization.
  6. Broil for Extra Crispiness (Optional): For an extra crispy skin, switch the oven to broil at the end and broil the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes. Monitor closely to avoid burning.

Notes

  • Use skin-on chicken thighs for optimal juiciness and crispy skin.
  • Marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the glaze to penetrate the meat fully.
  • Patting the chicken skin dry before seasoning promotes better crisping.
  • Keep a close eye during broiling as it crisps quickly and can burn if unattended.
  • Use the natural gelling agent sparingly to achieve a perfectly thick glaze without being too dense.
  • Heat any leftover marinade to boiling before using as a dipping sauce or glaze drizzle.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: baked chicken thighs, honey garlic chicken, easy chicken recipe, gluten free, simple glaze, comfort food

Find it online: https://classicrecipehub.com/baked-honey-garlic-chicken-thighs/