Imagine a dish so delectable that it transforms an ordinary dinner into a culinary adventure - that's exactly what this Honey Baked Chicken promises! With a perfect balance of sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and tangy ketchup, this recipe is about to become your new go-to meal that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds. Whether you're a busy home cook or a weekend chef looking to impress, this foolproof recipe guarantees restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature will allow the chicken to cook evenly and develop a nice glaze from the honey and other ingredients.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine 1/2 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 1/4 cup of ketchup, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well blended and the mixture is smooth.
- Place the 4 chicken thighs in a large baking dish. You can use bone-in or boneless thighs according to your preference. Make sure the thighs are arranged in a single layer for even cooking.
- Pour the honey mixture over the chicken thighs, ensuring that each piece is well coated. You can use a spoon or brush to spread the sauce evenly over the chicken.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will help to keep the chicken moist during the initial cooking phase.
- Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. This allows the chicken to cook through without drying out.
- After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil from the baking dish. Be cautious of the steam that will escape. This step will allow the chicken to brown and caramelize.
- Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute within the meat, making it more tender.
- Serve the honey baked chicken thighs warm, drizzling any remaining sauce from the baking dish over the top for added flavor. Pair with your favorite sides such as rice, vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in the honey mixture for 30 minutes to 2 hours before cooking if time permits.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- For a glossier finish, brush additional honey mixture during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Choose chicken thighs with the skin on for extra crispiness and richer flavor.
- If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the honey quantity and add a splash of apple cider vinegar for balance.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep the meat juicy and tender.
- For a low-carb option, serve with roasted vegetables instead of rice.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 140mg
