Baked Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs – Juicy, Sweet & Savory Dinner Winner

If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful dinner that feels like comfort food but tastes gourmet, look no further than these Baked Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs. They’re juicy, sweet, salty, garlicky, and perfectly sticky — the kind of meal that makes people say, “Can I get this recipe?”

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or hosting guests, this recipe never disappoints. Made with pantry staples and baked in the oven, it’s as easy to make as it is impressive to serve.

 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pan wonder – easy prep and cleanup
• Bold flavor – sweet, salty, tangy, and garlicky
• Bakes in under an hour
• Budget-friendly ingredients
• Kid-approved + guest-worthy

oven-baked chicken thighs, honey garlic chicken, easy chicken dinner recipe, sweet and savory chicken, one-pan meals

 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

For the Chicken:

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 kg)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

• ⅓ cup honey
• ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium if preferred)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional but adds depth)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

Pro tip: Chicken thighs stay juicy and are more flavorful than chicken breasts – perfect for baking!

 How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
3. Heat a large oven-safe skillet (like cast iron) over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and sear chicken thighs skin-side down until golden and crispy (about 5–6 minutes).
4. Flip the chicken, then turn off the heat.

 If you don’t have an oven-safe pan, transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish after.

Step 2: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

1. In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes.
2. Pour the sauce over the chicken in the pan or baking dish.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

1. Transfer the skillet or dish to the oven.
2. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temp 75°C / 165°F).
3. While baking, baste the chicken with the sauce every 10–15 minutes.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

1. After baking, remove chicken from the pan.
2. Pour the remaining sauce into a small saucepan over medium heat.
3. Mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Add to the sauce and stir until thickened (2–3 minutes).
4. Drizzle the thickened sauce over the chicken or serve it on the side.

 Tips for Best Results

• Pat chicken dry for crispy skin.
• Basting = flavor! It keeps the chicken glossy and packed with taste.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end for brightness.
• Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted veggies for a full meal.

 Serving Suggestions

Pair these sticky, sweet-savory chicken thighs with:

• Steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice
• Garlic butter green beans
• Mashed potatoes with roasted carrots
• A simple cucumber salad for a cool contrast
• Crispy roasted potatoes

 Storing & Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through or in the microwave for 1–2 minutes.
• Freeze cooked chicken thighs (without sauce) for up to 2 months.

 Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 410
• Protein: 26g
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Sugar: 19g
• Sodium: 680mg

 Final Thoughts

These Baked Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs are sticky, juicy, bold in flavor, and incredibly easy to make. It’s the kind of dinner that feels fancy without the fuss, and once you try it, it’ll become part of your regular meal rotation.

Serve it once, and people will beg for the recipe. Save it for weeknights, Sunday dinners, or even holidays this dish does it all.