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Crispy Honey Garlic Baked Chicken Thighs

crispy honey garlic baked chicken thighs - featured image

This recipe delivers perfectly crispy skin and juicy meat with a sweet-savory honey garlic glaze, baked to perfection and finished under the broiler for extra crunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1/4 cup honey (85g)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (60ml), low-sodium preferred
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (15ml)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Salt to taste (kosher or sea salt)
  • Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or green onions

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until well blended.
  3. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture from the skin side.
  4. Toss the chicken in the marinade, coating each thigh thoroughly. Let sit for 10-15 minutes at room temperature or up to 2 hours in the fridge (bring back to room temp before baking).
  5. Arrange the chicken on a wire rack over a rimmed baking sheet, skin side up, spaced about 1 inch apart.
  6. Bake for 25 minutes until the skin starts to crisp and caramelize.
  7. Brush the chicken with additional marinade to boost flavor and gloss.
  8. Broil for 3-5 minutes (optional) to get extra crispy skin, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  9. Check for doneness with an instant-read thermometer; internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  10. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Pat chicken skin dry before marinating to ensure crispiness. Use high heat (425°F) for caramelization without drying meat. Broil briefly for extra crisp skin but watch closely to avoid burning. If glaze thickens too much, warm gently with a splash of water before brushing. Fresh garlic is preferred to avoid burning. Rest chicken before serving to keep juices locked in. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Optional variations include adding red pepper flakes for heat or fresh herbs for flavor.

Nutrition

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