Name: Honey Soy Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients: 2 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs; ⅓ cup honey; ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce; ¼ cup chopped green onions; 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil; 1 ½ tablespoons garlic, minced (about 4 large cloves); 1 tablespoon white vinegar (optional: apple cider or rice vinegar); 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional); ¾ teaspoon fresh minced ginger; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped; Sesame seeds (optional)

Introduction

Honey Soy Baked Chicken Thighs offer a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors with a sticky, caramelized glaze. This simple yet delicious recipe transforms everyday chicken thighs into a tender, flavorful meal ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep. It pairs wonderfully with rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.

A close-up shot of six glazed chicken thighs placed in a white bowl, each piece showing a shiny brown glaze with charred spots, giving a rich caramelized look. The chicken pieces are garnished with small white sesame seeds and fresh green rosemary leaves scattered on top and between the pieces. The chicken texture looks tender and juicy with some slight crisp on the edges. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

⅓ cup honey

¼ cup low sodium soy sauce

¼ cup chopped green onions

2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil

1 ½ tablespoons garlic, minced (about 4 large cloves)

1 tablespoon white vinegar (optional: apple cider or rice vinegar)

1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)

¾ teaspoon fresh minced ginger

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, green onions, oil, garlic, vinegar, sesame oil, and ginger to create the marinade.

Step 2: Pat the chicken thighs dry and season them with salt and pepper. Place the chicken in the marinade bowl and coat well. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best flavor.

Step 3: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

Step 4: Transfer the chicken and marinade into a cast iron skillet or baking dish. Bake for 20–25 minutes, turning the chicken twice to keep it moist.

Step 5: Broil on high for 5 minutes to caramelize and slightly char the edges.

Step 6: Check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (70°C) for safe eating.

Step 7: Garnish with fresh parsley and sesame seeds. Serve with your choice of rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.

Tips & Variations

Marinate chicken overnight to deepen the flavor.

Use tofu or tempeh with the same marinade for a vegetarian version.

Add chili flakes or sriracha if you prefer a spicier dish.

Swap traditional starches for cauliflower rice for a low-carb meal.

Garnish with citrus zest like orange or lime for a bright twist.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but chicken breasts can dry out more easily. If you choose breasts, reduce the baking time and watch carefully to avoid overcooking.

Is it necessary to broil the chicken at the end?

Broiling adds a lovely caramelized and slightly charred finish to the glaze, enhancing flavor and texture. However, you can skip this step if you prefer a softer surface.