Description
This Honey Soy Baked Chicken Thighs recipe features tender chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful blend of honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and aromatic oils, then baked to perfection and finished under the broiler for a golden, slightly charred edge. It’s a simple yet delicious dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Marinade and Chicken
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil (vegetable oil or canola oil)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons garlic, minced (or 4 large cloves garlic, minced)
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar (apple cider or rice wine vinegar - OPTIONAL)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (OPTIONAL)
- 3/4 teaspoon fresh minced ginger
- 2 1/2 pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs
- 1 pinch salt (to season)
- 1 pinch pepper (to season)
For Garnish
- 1 pinch fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a shallow bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, green onions, cooking oil, minced garlic, vinegar, sesame oil, and fresh minced ginger. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until well combined. Set the marinade aside for use later.
- Marinate the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry using paper towels and trim off any excess fat. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper. Place the chicken into the bowl with the marinade, ensuring each piece is coated well. Cover the bowl and refrigerate to marinate for at least 30 minutes; overnight marinating is ideal for deeper flavor.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to preheat at 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Bake the Chicken: Transfer the marinated chicken along with the marinade into a cast iron skillet or a suitable baking dish. Place it in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Flip the chicken twice during baking to prevent drying and to ensure even cooking and glazing.
- Broil for Finish: After baking, switch the oven to the broil setting at high heat. Broil the chicken for 5 minutes until the skin is golden brown and slightly charred on the edges. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (70°C) for safe consumption.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and optional sesame seeds. Serve the chicken hot with pan juices poured over your choice of steamed rice, cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, regular noodles, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight improves flavor penetration but 30 minutes is sufficient for a tasty meal.
- Use low sodium soy sauce to control saltiness.
- Sesame oil adds a nutty aroma but is optional.
- Flipping the chicken twice during baking ensures even cooking and prevents the top from drying out.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temp of 165°F for food safety.
- Serve with your favorite side to make it a complete meal.