Irresistibly Sticky Honey Soy Glazed Chicken Thighs

From the moment the aroma of simmering honey, soy sauce, and ginger fills your kitchen, you know you’re in for a treat. This Sticky Honey Soy Glazed Chicken Thighs recipe has become a staple in our household, and for good reason. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with juicy, tender chicken thighs coated in a luscious, sticky glaze that is simply addictive. My family devours this dish every time I make it, and even my pickiest eaters ask for seconds (and thirds!). It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights, yet impressive enough to serve to guests. If you’re looking for a chicken recipe that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, look no further – these Sticky Honey Soy Glazed Chicken Thighs are about to become your new favorite.

Ingredients

This recipe is all about simple ingredients that come together to create a complex and delightful flavor profile. Here’s what you’ll need to make these mouthwatering Sticky Honey Soy Glazed Chicken Thighs:

For the Chicken:

• Chicken Thighs: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (you can also use bone-in, skin-on, but cooking times will vary and the glaze might not be as sticky)
• Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste
• Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon, freshly ground is best

For the Honey Soy Glaze:

• Soy Sauce: ½ cup, low sodium soy sauce is recommended to control the saltiness
• Honey: ½ cup, use a good quality honey for the best flavor (clover, wildflower, or orange blossom work wonderfully)
• Rice Vinegar: ¼ cup, adds a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness and umami
• Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon, toasted sesame oil provides a nutty aroma and depth of flavor
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced (freshly minced is always preferred for the best flavor)
• Ginger: 1 tablespoon, freshly grated (ginger paste can be used as a substitute, but fresh ginger is more vibrant)
• Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon, for thickening the glaze to that perfect sticky consistency
• Water: 2 tablespoons, to create a slurry with the cornstarch
• Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): ¼ teaspoon, or more to taste, for a touch of heat (omit if you prefer a milder flavor)

For Garnish (Optional):

• Sesame Seeds: 1 tablespoon, toasted sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal
• Chopped Green Onions: 2 tablespoons, for freshness and a pop of color

Instructions

This recipe is surprisingly straightforward and can be made in just a few simple steps. Whether you prefer baking or pan-frying, we’ve got you covered with instructions for both methods.

Oven-Baked Sticky Honey Soy Glazed Chicken Thighs:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely. Season both sides of the chicken thighs generously with salt and black pepper.
2. Make the Honey Soy Glaze: In a medium-sized saucepan, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. If using, add the red pepper flakes at this stage.
3. Cook the Glaze: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the glaze to a gentle simmer. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering glaze and whisk constantly. Continue to simmer and whisk for 1-2 minutes, or until the glaze thickens slightly and becomes glossy. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Bake the Chicken: Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs in a single layer in a baking dish. Pour about half of the honey soy glaze over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated. Reserve the remaining glaze for later.
5. Bake and Glaze Again: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the baking dish from the oven.
6. Glaze and Broil (Optional for Extra Stickiness): Pour the remaining honey soy glaze over the baked chicken thighs, ensuring they are well coated. For an extra sticky and slightly caramelized finish, you can broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning, as the honey glaze can caramelize quickly under the broiler.
7. Rest and Garnish: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.

Pan-Fried Sticky Honey Soy Glazed Chicken Thighs:

1. Prepare Chicken and Glaze: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Prepare the honey soy glaze as instructed in steps 2 and 3 of the oven-baked method.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil (vegetable, canola, or avocado oil work well) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken thighs to the skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan (you may need to cook in batches). Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, until nicely browned.
3. Add Glaze and Simmer: Pour the honey soy glaze over the seared chicken thighs in the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Make sure to turn the chicken occasionally to ensure even cooking and glazing.
4. Reduce Glaze (If Necessary): If the glaze is still quite thin after the chicken is cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Increase the heat to medium-high and simmer the glaze for a few minutes, stirring constantly, until it thickens to your desired sticky consistency. Be careful not to burn the glaze.
5. Return Chicken and Glaze: Return the cooked chicken thighs to the skillet and toss to coat them evenly with the thickened glaze.
6. Rest and Garnish: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

(Estimated, per serving, based on a recipe divided into 4 servings. Nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

• Serving Size: 1 Chicken Thigh (approximately)
• Calories: Approximately 450-550 kcal
• Protein: 40-50g
• Fat: 20-30g

Important Note: These are estimations. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator and input the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (includes measuring ingredients, mincing garlic, grating ginger, and making the glaze)
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes (oven-baked) or 15-20 minutes (pan-fried)
• Total Time: 35-45 minutes

This recipe is perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner!

How to Serve Sticky Honey Soy Glazed Chicken Thighs

These Sticky Honey Soy Glazed Chicken Thighs are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some delicious serving suggestions:

• Rice:
  • Steamed White Rice: A classic and simple choice that soaks up the delicious glaze.
  • Brown Rice: For a healthier option with a nutty flavor.
  • Jasmine Rice: Aromatic and fragrant, adds an extra layer of flavor.
  • Coconut Rice: Infused with coconut milk for a richer and slightly sweet side.
  • Fried Rice: Transform leftover rice into a flavorful side dish with vegetables and eggs.
• Noodles:
  • Lo Mein Noodles: Tossed with vegetables and a light sauce, a perfect complement.
  • Udon Noodles: Thick and chewy, great for soaking up the glaze.
  • Soba Noodles: Buckwheat noodles, a lighter and healthier option.
  • Glass Noodles (Cellophane Noodles): Delicate and translucent, perfect for Asian-inspired meals.
• Vegetables:
  • Steamed Broccoli: A healthy and simple side that pairs well with the rich flavors.
  • Roasted Asparagus: Adds a touch of elegance and freshness.
  • Green Beans: Sautéed or steamed, a classic vegetable side.
  • Stir-Fried Vegetables: A mix of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, snow peas, and bok choy.
  • Asian Slaw: A crunchy and refreshing slaw with a light vinaigrette.
  • Edamame: Steamed or roasted edamame pods, a healthy and fun appetizer or side.
• Salads:
  • Cucumber Salad: A refreshing and light cucumber salad with a vinegar-based dressing.
  • Asian Noodle Salad: Cold noodles with vegetables and a peanut or sesame dressing.
  • Simple Green Salad: A basic green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the chicken.
• Other:
  • Spring Rolls or Egg Rolls: Serve as appetizers for a complete Asian-inspired meal.
  • Miso Soup: A warm and comforting soup to start the meal.
  • Kimchi: For those who enjoy a spicy kick, kimchi is a great fermented side dish.

Additional Tips for Perfect Sticky Honey Soy Glazed Chicken Thighs

Want to take your Sticky Honey Soy Glazed Chicken Thighs to the next level? Here are five helpful tips:

1. Marinate for Deeper Flavor: While this recipe is delicious even without marinating, for an even more intense flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in half of the honey soy glaze for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.
2. Adjust Sweetness and Spice: Taste the glaze before adding the chicken and adjust the sweetness and spice to your preference. If you prefer it sweeter, add a little more honey. For more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also add a touch of brown sugar for a deeper molasses-like sweetness.
3. Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly minced garlic and grated ginger make a significant difference in the flavor of the glaze. While garlic powder and ground ginger can be used in a pinch, the fresh versions provide a much brighter and more vibrant taste.
4. Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Chicken thighs are more forgiving than chicken breasts, but it’s still important not to overcook them, as they can become dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, let them rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier chicken.
5. Control the Stickiness of the Glaze: The cornstarch slurry is key to achieving that perfect sticky glaze. If you want a thicker glaze, you can add a little more cornstarch slurry. If you find the glaze is too thick, you can thin it out with a tablespoon or two of water or chicken broth. Also, remember that the glaze will thicken slightly as it cools.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Sticky Honey Soy Glazed Chicken Thighs

Q1: Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?

A: Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but boneless, skinless chicken thighs are generally recommended for this recipe because they are more flavorful and stay juicier during cooking. Chicken breasts tend to dry out more easily. If using chicken breasts, be sure not to overcook them and consider reducing the cooking time slightly. You might also want to butterfly thicker chicken breasts to ensure even cooking.

Q2: I don’t have rice vinegar. Can I substitute it with something else?

A: Yes, you can substitute rice vinegar with other types of vinegar. White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar are good substitutes that will provide a similar level of acidity. In a pinch, you could even use lemon juice or lime juice, but these will impart a slightly different flavor profile.

Q3: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the honey soy glaze ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also cook the chicken thighs ahead of time and reheat them. However, for the best results, it’s recommended to cook the chicken closer to serving time. If reheating, gently reheat the chicken in the oven or skillet with a little extra glaze to prevent it from drying out.

Q4: How do I store leftover Sticky Honey Soy Glazed Chicken Thighs?

A: Store leftover Sticky Honey Soy Glazed Chicken Thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can gently warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through. You can also microwave them, but they may become slightly less crispy.

Q5: Can I grill these chicken thighs instead of baking or pan-frying?

A: Yes, grilling is a fantastic way to cook these chicken thighs! Preheat your grill to medium heat. Grill the chicken thighs for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Brush them with the honey soy glaze during the last few minutes of grilling to avoid burning the glaze. Be sure to keep a close eye on them as the honey in the glaze can caramelize quickly on the grill.

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