Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Thighs with Fresh Herbs is a mouthwatering dish that combines savory, sweet, and aromatic flavors in every bite. The crispy, caramelized honey-garlic glaze is perfectly balanced with the freshness of herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley. Chicken thighs, with their rich flavor and tender texture, are an ideal canvas for this vibrant sauce. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or a special meal, this recipe will surely impress your family or guests.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Honey Garlic Glaze:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (or coconut aminos for gluten-free)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for a tangy kick)
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
For Garnish:
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped (or a mix of both)
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for a zesty finish)
-
- Sprinkle the fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, rosemary) and lemon zest over the glazed chicken thighs.
- Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Thighs:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and cook for 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip the chicken over and cook for another 2 minutes. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven to roast for about 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear.
2. Make the Honey Garlic Glaze:
- While the chicken is roasting, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard (if using), and chili flakes (if using) in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Let the sauce cook for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the butter until melted. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for added brightness.
3. Glaze the Chicken:
- Once the chicken thighs are cooked through, remove the skillet from the oven. Brush the honey garlic glaze generously over each chicken thigh. Let the glaze set for a couple of minutes, allowing it to slightly caramelize.
4. Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle the fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, rosemary) and lemon zest over the glazed chicken thighs.
- Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad.
-
Tips:
- For extra crispy skin, you can broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes after glazing it, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
- If you prefer boneless, skinless thighs, just adjust the cooking time, as they will cook faster.
- Feel free to experiment with other herbs such as oregano, basil, or even a hint of tarragon for a unique twist.
This dish pairs beautifully with a side of rice or even a tangy quinoa salad. The combination of sweet honey, savory garlic, and the freshness of herbs will make this meal a standout on any table. Enjoy!
