Go Back
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1/4 cup pure honey - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust based on your spice preference) - 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger - 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus additional for searing) - Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste - Fresh cilantro, roughly chopped for garnish In this recipe, chicken thighs take center stage. I love using bone-in, skin-on thighs for their rich flavor and juicy texture. The skin crisps up beautifully during cooking, adding a nice contrast to the tenderness of the meat. The marinade is where all the magic happens. I combine garlic, honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, chili flakes, and ginger to create a balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. Each ingredient plays a role. - Garlic gives a strong, aromatic kick. - Honey adds natural sweetness that caramelizes when cooked. - Soy sauce brings umami depth. - Apple cider vinegar cuts through the richness and adds brightness. - Chili flakes deliver heat, which you can adjust based on your taste. Next, I add olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper to round out the marinade. The oil helps to keep the chicken moist, while the salt and pepper enhance the flavors. Finally, I like to garnish with fresh cilantro. It adds a pop of color and a fresh taste to every bite. This mix of ingredients creates a dish that is not just easy but also bursting with flavor. You can feel good about serving this to family and friends! 1. In a large bowl, whisk together: - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1/4 cup pure honey - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon chili flakes - 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Sea salt and black pepper to taste 2. Ensure all ingredients mix well. 3. Take your 6 chicken thighs and coat them well in the marinade. 4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. 5. Place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor. 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). 2. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. 3. Remove chicken from the marinade, saving it for later. 4. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. 5. Sear for about 5 minutes until the skin turns golden brown. 6. Flip the thighs so the skin side is up. 7. Pour the reserved marinade over the chicken. 8. Transfer the skillet to the oven. 9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken hits 165°F (75°C). 10. Halfway through baking, baste the chicken with the sauce in the pan for extra flavor. 1. Once cooked, take the skillet out of the oven. 2. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes in the pan. 3. Top with freshly chopped cilantro for a pop of color. 4. Serve and enjoy the flavors! To make a great marinade, you need to balance sweetness and spiciness. The honey adds a nice sweetness, while the chili flakes bring heat. You can change the amount of chili flakes to match your taste. A good mix makes the chicken flavorful. Marination time matters. For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, let it sit for up to 2 hours. This soaking lets the flavors seep deep into the meat. Searing the chicken is key for crispiness. Start by heating olive oil in a skillet. Place the chicken skin-side down and let it cook for about 5 minutes. The goal is to get that skin golden and crunchy. This step adds texture and enhances the overall taste. The best temperature for baking chicken is 400°F (200°C). This heat cooks the chicken evenly while keeping it juicy. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures your chicken is safe and ready to eat. For side dishes, I recommend fluffy jasmine or basmati rice. These grains soak up the sauce well and complement the dish. Roasted vegetables add color and nutrition. Think bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli for a vibrant plate. For presentation, drizzle extra sauce over the chicken right before serving. This adds a glossy look and extra flavor. A few lime wedges on the side can give a nice zesty touch. Don't forget to sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a pop of color and freshness! {{image_4}} You can change the honey in this recipe. Maple syrup or agave can work in its place. Both add sweetness, just like honey. You can also use boneless chicken thighs if you prefer. They cook faster and are easier to eat. Just keep an eye on the cooking time. Do you want to turn up the heat? You can add more chili flakes to the marinade. Start with a teaspoon, then taste it. If you want more heat, add more. You can also mix in other spices, like cayenne or smoked paprika. These will give your dish an extra kick and a unique flavor. You can grill the chicken for a smoky flavor. Just marinate as usual, then place the thighs on a hot grill. Cook for about 6-8 minutes per side. If you want a hands-off method, try using a slow cooker. Place the marinated chicken in the cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. This will make the chicken very tender and full of flavor. To keep your spicy honey garlic chicken thighs fresh, store them in the fridge. Place the chicken in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down before sealing. This helps to keep the chicken juicy. Store it for up to 3 days. If you want a longer shelf life, freeze the chicken. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then put it in a freezer bag. This way, the chicken lasts up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, reheating is key. To keep the chicken moist, use the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking tray. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to the tray. This will create steam and prevent drying. Cover the tray with foil to lock in moisture. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warm. You can also use a microwave. Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Add a little water and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds. Check if it's warm enough after each burst. Always make sure to reheat chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety. Enjoy your flavorful meal again! These chicken thighs have a nice kick from the chili flakes. I use one teaspoon of chili flakes for a medium heat. If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount. For more heat, add extra chili flakes. The goal is to balance the heat with the sweetness of honey. Yes, you can! Marinate the chicken thighs for up to two hours. This adds great flavor. You can also marinate the chicken the night before. Just store it in the fridge. To reheat, bake it again at 350°F (175°C) until hot. This keeps the chicken juicy and tasty. If you don't have chicken thighs, you can use drumsticks or chicken breasts. Drumsticks will stay juicy like thighs. Chicken breasts cook faster, so watch them closely. Adjust cooking time based on the cut you choose. This blog post shared a simple way to make spicy honey garlic chicken thighs. It covered ingredients, marinating, cooking, and serving tips. I also shared variations and storage options. You now have many ideas to create this dish your way. Remember, the key is to find your ideal mix of sweet and spicy. Enjoy your cooking, and try out different methods! Don’t forget to share your results with friends and family.

Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Indulge in the deliciousness of Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs with this easy recipe! Marinated in a zesty mix of honey, garlic, and spices, these chicken thighs are seared to perfection and baked for a juicy finish. Perfect for dinner or meal prep, this dish will impress everyone at the table. Click through to explore the full recipe and make this mouthwatering meal today!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

1/4 cup pure honey

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust based on your spice preference)

1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger

2 tablespoons olive oil (plus additional for searing)

Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Fresh cilantro, roughly chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, chili flakes, grated ginger, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Stir until the ingredients are well combined and the marinade is smooth.

    Add Chicken: Immerse the chicken thighs into the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, with a maximum of 2 hours for a more robust flavor.

      Preheat Oven: Set your oven to preheat at 400°F (200°C).

        Sear the Chicken: In a large oven-safe skillet, warm up a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Carefully take the chicken out of the marinade (remember to keep the marinade for later) and place the thighs in the skillet skin-side down. Sear them for about 5 minutes until the skin is beautifully golden brown and crisp.

          Bake: Once seared, flip the chicken thighs over so the skin side is facing up. Pour the reserved marinade over the chicken. Move the skillet into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).

            Baste for Flavor: Halfway through the baking time, take the skillet out (handle with care!) and baste the chicken with the sauce in the pan to intensify the flavors and keep the meat juicy.

              Finish & Garnish: When fully cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest in the pan for a few minutes. Sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro before serving to add a burst of color and freshness.

                Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the spicy honey garlic chicken thighs over a bed of fluffy jasmine or basmati rice, or alongside an assortment of colorful roasted vegetables. Drizzle extra sauce from the skillet over the chicken for a glossy, appetizing finish, and consider adding a few lime wedges on the side for a fresh zing.