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Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs with Sweet Garlic and Honey Glaze: A Deliciously Simple Dish
If you’re craving a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that will impress your family or guests, look no further than Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs with a Sweet Garlic and Honey Glaze. This recipe combines the richness of chicken thighs with a mouthwatering glaze made from honey, garlic, and a few simple ingredients that result in a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and savory flavors. Plus, it’s baked in the oven, making it a hands-off dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion.
The chicken thighs turn out juicy and tender, while the glaze caramelizes in the oven to create a delicious sticky coating that’s simply irresistible. Let’s dive into how you can make this flavorful dish!
Ingredients:
- 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium works well)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for a little tang)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat will help the chicken thighs get crispy on the outside while staying juicy on the inside.
2. Prepare the Chicken Thighs:
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure they crisp up in the oven. Rub the chicken thighs with olive oil on both sides, then season generously with salt and pepper. The seasoning helps enhance the flavor and creates a delicious crust as the chicken cooks.
3. Make the Sweet Garlic Honey Glaze:
In a small saucepan, combine the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard (if using). Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 2-3 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and the glaze starts to thicken slightly. If you want a bit of heat, add the red pepper flakes and stir to combine.
Once the glaze has thickened slightly, remove it from the heat and set aside.
4. Bake the Chicken:
Place the seasoned chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a baking dish. Make sure they are arranged in a single layer so that the heat can circulate evenly around them.
Brush the chicken thighs with a generous amount of the sweet garlic honey glaze, making sure each thigh is well coated. You can also reserve a little bit of the glaze for basting later or serving on the side.
5. Roast the Chicken:
Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and roast the chicken thighs for 35-40 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when tested with a meat thermometer. If you like extra crispy skin, you can turn on the broiler during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, but be sure to watch the chicken closely to avoid burning.
During the cooking process, you can baste the chicken with the remaining glaze halfway through for an extra layer of flavor.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Once the chicken thighs are fully cooked, remove them from the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme for a pop of color and added freshness.
Serve your Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs with Sweet Garlic and Honey Glaze with your favorite sides. They pair wonderfully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh green salad.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Tender and Juicy: Chicken thighs are known for their ability to stay juicy and tender, even when baked in the oven. This recipe ensures that the chicken stays moist while developing a crispy, flavorful skin.
