Homemade Honey Garlic Chicken

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1/4 cup honey - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 2 green onions, finely sliced (for garnish) - Sesame seeds (for garnish) Gathering the right ingredients makes cooking easy and fun. Each item in this list plays a key role in the flavor of the dish. Chicken thighs are juicy and tender. Honey adds sweetness, while garlic gives a warm, savory taste. The soy sauce brings depth, and apple cider vinegar adds a hint of tang. Olive oil helps with cooking and keeps the chicken moist. Fresh ginger gives a bright kick, and black pepper adds warmth. If you like a bit of spice, the red pepper flakes can give the dish a nice heat. The green onions and sesame seeds are perfect for topping. They add flavor and make the dish look great. You can find the full recipe for this dish in the linked section. To start, I combine the marinade ingredients. In a medium bowl, mix together: - 1/4 cup honey - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) Whisk these items together until they blend well. Next, I coat the chicken thighs in the marinade. I make sure each piece is covered. I cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For a richer flavor, I suggest marinating for up to 2 hours. While the chicken is marinating, I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the oven is ready for baking. After marinating, I line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps with cleanup. Next, I place the marinated chicken thighs on the baking sheet. I set aside the marinade in the bowl. I bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes. I check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). While the chicken bakes, I prepare the sauce. I pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. I heat it over medium heat until it boils. Once boiling, I lower the heat and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes. I stir occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly. After the chicken is done, I remove it from the oven. I use a brush to coat the chicken with the thickened sauce. Then, I return the tray to the oven for an extra 5 minutes. This gives the chicken a nice caramelized finish. The marination time is key for flavor. I recommend at least 30 minutes. If you have time, let it soak for up to 2 hours. This gives the chicken a deeper flavor. For even better results, poke small holes in the chicken. This helps the marinade soak in more. Remember to keep it covered in the fridge. This keeps it fresh and safe. To ensure your chicken is cooked through, check its internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. The chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). This ensures it’s safe to eat. Avoid dry chicken by not overcooking it. Keep an eye on the clock while baking. If you’re unsure, take it out a bit early. Let it rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps keep it juicy. For more ideas and tips, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can change the sweetener in this recipe. Maple syrup or agave nectar work well. These options give a different taste while keeping it sweet. If you want to switch proteins, try using shrimp or tofu. Both options soak up the sauce nicely. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice texture. Tofu is great for a plant-based meal. Make sure to press tofu to remove excess water for the best results. To add some heat, try extra spices. Red pepper flakes are a good choice. You can also use jalapeños or sriracha for a spicy kick. Start with a small amount to find the right balance. Adding vegetables can turn this dish into a one-pan meal. Bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas add color and nutrition. Toss them in with the chicken during the last 15 minutes of baking. This way, they stay crisp and fresh. For more details, check the Full Recipe. To store your honey garlic chicken, first let it cool. Place leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh and tasty. You can store it in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. This makes it easy to enjoy later. If you want to save your honey garlic chicken for a longer time, freezing is a great option. First, let the chicken cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Heat it on medium power until it’s warm. This will help keep the flavors and texture just right. To balance the sweetness, you can add more soy sauce. This adds saltiness to the dish. You can also add more garlic for a savory flavor. Adding a splash of vinegar can help cut through the sweetness too. Yes, chicken breast works well in this recipe. Chicken breast is leaner than thighs, so it cooks faster. This means you need to watch the cooking time closely. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to avoid dryness. Homemade honey garlic chicken pairs nicely with several side dishes. You can serve it with steamed rice for a classic touch. Roasted vegetables add color and nutrition. A fresh salad can balance the meal with crunch and zest. You can also try it with noodles for a fun twist. This blog post covered a tasty honey garlic chicken recipe. We explored ingredients, marinating, baking, and sauce prep. I shared tips for the best flavor and texture, along with variations you can try. Don’t forget proper storage methods for great leftovers. You can even adjust sweetness or swap proteins. Enjoy your cooking adventure. Your honey garlic chicken will impress!$

Indulge in the delicious flavors of Sweet & Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken! This simple recipe features tender chicken thighs marinated in a mouthwatering blend of honey, garlic, and soy sauce, then baked to perfection. Ready in just 45 minutes, it's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Click through to explore the full recipe and get ready to impress your family and friends with this tasty dish!

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Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1/4 cup honey

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)

2 green onions, finely sliced (for garnish)

Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the honey, minced garlic, low-sodium soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, grated ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk the ingredients together until well blended.

Coat the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. For a deeper flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours.

Preheat the Oven: While the chicken is marinating, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.

Bake the Chicken: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup. Place the marinated chicken thighs on the baking sheet, setting aside the marinade in the bowl. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and has an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Prepare the Sauce: While the chicken is baking, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, bringing it to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.

Glaze the Chicken: After the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven. Using a brush, generously coat the chicken with the thickened sauce. Return the tray to the oven, allowing the chicken to bake for an additional 5 minutes to achieve a caramelized finish.

Serve: Once done, take the chicken out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. To serve, plate the chicken and garnish with freshly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a delightful crunch.

- Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 min | 45 min | Serves 4