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- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 1/4 cup honey - 3 tablespoons soy sauce - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust according to desired heat level) - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional) - Sesame seeds for garnish (optional) Gathering these ingredients is simple. First, you need bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. This cut keeps the meat juicy and tender. Then, mix honey and soy sauce for a sweet and salty base. The minced garlic adds a rich flavor. Adjust the heat with sriracha; use more for a spicy kick. Rice vinegar gives a tangy touch, while ginger adds warmth. Black pepper and salt enhance all the flavors. Olive oil helps achieve that gorgeous crispy skin. Finally, fresh cilantro and sesame seeds are great for garnishing. They make your dish look vibrant and appealing. With these ingredients, you can create a tasty meal that impresses everyone at the table. The balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors makes this dish a true delight. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, mix 1/4 cup honey, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon sriracha, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Whisk it well until smooth. 2. Coat the chicken thighs: Place 4 chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Make sure each thigh gets a good coat. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly. 3. Refrigeration time: Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. For a deeper flavor, you can leave it overnight. 1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Preheating is key for even cooking. 2. Searing the chicken in a skillet: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Take the chicken out of the marinade and keep the marinade for later. Place the chicken skin-side down in the hot skillet. Sear for 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. 3. Baking instructions: Flip the chicken skin-side up and pour the reserved marinade over it. Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (75°C) inside. 1. Glazing the chicken: For a nice finish, switch your oven to broil mode. Broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes. Watch closely so it doesn’t burn. 2. Resting before serving: Take the skillet out of the oven. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This makes it juicier. 3. Garnishing with cilantro and sesame seeds: Top the chicken with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds for a lovely touch. Enjoy your flavorful dish! To get that golden crust, heat your skillet well. Aim for medium-high heat before adding the chicken. This helps the skin get crispy. Timing is key here. Sear the chicken thighs skin-side down for 5 to 7 minutes. Watch for a nice golden color. This step seals in juices and adds flavor. Want more heat? Add extra sriracha to your marinade. This gives each bite a spicy kick. You can adjust the amount to fit your taste. Feel free to add more ingredients for depth. Try adding a splash of orange juice or a dash of smoked paprika. These can elevate the dish and surprise your taste buds. Serve your spicy honey garlic chicken with steamed jasmine rice. The rice absorbs the sauce well and balances the spice. Sautéed green vegetables also pair nicely, bringing color and nutrients to your plate. For visual appeal, present the chicken on a rustic wooden board or a sleek platter. Drizzle extra sauce from the skillet over the top. Garnish with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds. This makes the dish pop and look inviting. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for More Flavor: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken thighs overnight. This allows the spices and honey to deeply penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. Adjust Heat to Your Preference: Customize the heat level by varying the amount of sriracha in the marinade. Start with less if you're unsure and add more for a spicier kick. Rest Before Serving: Allow the chicken to rest for at least 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute, making the chicken more tender and juicy. {{image_4}} You can switch up the protein in this recipe. Here are two great options: - Using chicken breasts: Chicken breasts work well for a leaner meal. They cook faster, so check for doneness sooner. They still soak up the tasty marinade. - Substituting with tofu for a vegetarian version: Tofu is a fantastic choice for a vegetarian dish. Use firm or extra-firm tofu for the best texture. Just marinate it the same way as the chicken. Cook it in the oven or pan-fry it for extra crispiness. Feel free to get creative with flavors. Here are two fun ideas: - Southwest-style with chipotle: Add chipotle sauce instead of sriracha. This will give the dish a smoky kick. Pair it with corn and black beans for a full Southwest meal. - Asian-inspired with teriyaki: Swap the honey and soy sauce for a teriyaki sauce. This gives the chicken a sweet and salty taste. Serve it with steamed rice and stir-fried veggies for a complete Asian feast. These variations help you explore new tastes while keeping the dish fun and exciting. To keep your Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs fresh, start by refrigerating them. Place the cooked chicken in an airtight container. It stays good for up to four days in the fridge. For longer storage, freezing is the best option. Wrap each thigh tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, the chicken can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheating in the oven is best. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warm. If you're short on time, the microwave works too. Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts, checking every 30 seconds until warm. Enjoy your tasty chicken again! You can serve this dish with easy sides. Here are some great options: - Steamed jasmine rice - Sautéed green vegetables - Roasted sweet potatoes - Creamy mashed potatoes - Fresh garden salad These sides balance the chicken's sweetness and heat. They also add color to your plate. Yes, you can prepare this recipe in advance. Here are a few tips: - Marinate the chicken thighs the night before. - Store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. - Cook them just before serving for the best taste. Meal prepping saves time and makes dinner easy. To check if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). - Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. - Avoid touching the bone, as it can give a false reading. This ensures your chicken is safe and juicy. Yes, you can change the spice level. Here’s how: - Use less sriracha for a milder flavor. - Add more sriracha for extra heat. - Try a different hot sauce if you prefer. Adjusting the spice lets you customize the dish for your taste. In this post, we explored a tasty recipe for Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs. We discussed key ingredients, marinating techniques, and cooking steps. You learned tips for perfect searing and ways to enhance flavors. We also covered variations for different proteins and flavor profiles, along with storage and reheating advice. Remember, cooking with joy and creativity can lead to delicious meals. Try this recipe, and enjoy new flavors you create. You have the tools now to make this dish a hit!

Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

A deliciously spicy and sweet chicken dish with a sticky honey garlic glaze.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 0.25 cup honey
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • None optional Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
  • None optional Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, sriracha, rice vinegar, grated ginger, black pepper, and salt until thoroughly combined.
  • Place the chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each thigh is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for enhanced flavor.
  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for cooking.
  • In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, setting the marinade aside for later use. Carefully place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet and sear for 5-7 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
  • After searing, flip the chicken thighs skin-side up and pour the reserved marinade over them. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  • For a beautifully caramelized finish, switch your oven to broil mode and broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes, keeping a watchful eye to prevent burning.
  • Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes. Top with freshly chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a delightful garnish before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate overnight.
Keyword chicken, honey garlic, spicy, thighs