How to Make Honey Garlic Baked Chicken Thighs

These Baked Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs are juicy, sweet, and savory—perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep. Ready in under an hour!

There’s Something Comforting About Honey Garlic Chicken…

There’s something timeless about the combination of garlic and honey. It reminds me of chilly evenings when the whole kitchen would fill with the warm, sweet aroma of dinner slowly baking in the oven. This honey garlic chicken was a staple in our house—not just because it was easy, but because everyone loved it. No complaints at the table, no leftovers either.

If you’re looking for a cozy, flavorful meal that’s as satisfying as it is simple, you’re in the right place. These baked honey garlic chicken thighs are juicy, flavorful, and unbelievably easy to make. Whether you’re new to cooking or just need something reliable and delicious, this dish delivers every single time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Easy Prep: The marinade takes just 5 minutes to mix.
• Big Flavor, Few Ingredients: A handful of pantry staples turn into something magical.
• Budget-Friendly: Chicken thighs are affordable and full of flavor.
• Oven-Baked for Convenience: No frying, no mess—just bake and enjoy.
• Great for Leftovers: These reheat beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these baked honey garlic chicken thighs:
• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 4 tablespoons honey
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium if preferred)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening sauce)
• 1 tablespoon water (for mixing with cornstarch)
• Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish (optional)
• Sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

1. Prep the Marinade

In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, olive oil, pepper, and salt. The mixture should be glossy and fragrant.

2. Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or a glass bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor.

3. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.

4. Bake

Place the chicken thighs in the prepared baking dish, skin side up. Reserve the leftover marinade.

Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the chicken is golden and cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F / 74°C).

5. (Optional) Thicken the Sauce

While the chicken bakes, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer. In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with water and add it to the sauce. Stir until thickened, about 1–2 minutes.

6. Serve

Drizzle the thickened sauce over the baked chicken. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted veggies.

Tips for Success
• Pat the chicken dry before marinating to help the skin crisp up during baking.
• Don’t skip the rest time. Letting the chicken sit for 5–10 minutes after baking helps retain its juices.
• Use foil or parchment paper in your baking dish to prevent sticking and save on cleanup.
• Double the sauce if you want extra for serving over rice or veggies.

Serving Suggestion

This dish pairs beautifully with:
• Steamed jasmine rice
• Roasted broccoli or green beans
• Garlic mashed potatoes
• A fresh cucumber salad with lemon vinaigrette

Want to keep it low-carb? Serve with cauliflower rice or sautéed zucchini noodles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless, skinless thighs?
Yes, but reduce the cooking time by about 5–7 minutes since they cook faster. They may also be a bit less juicy than bone-in cuts.

How long can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Can I freeze this dish?
Absolutely. Freeze cooked chicken in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce.

Internal Recipe Links
• Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• Oven Roasted Green Beans
• Simple Cucumber Salad

External Resource
• USDA Safe Cooking Temperatures (https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/safe-temperature-chart)