Honey Baked Chicken Thighs

These honey baked chicken thighs are easy to prepare and come out tender, juicy, and flavorful. The quick marinade gives the chicken an incredible depth of flavor and doubles as a delicious glaze.

Serve these easy chicken thighs with truffle mashed potatoes and lemon chili broccoli for a complete meal.

This chicken thigh recipe is an easy weeknight dinner that comes together with minimal effort. It is also a great dish to prepare in advance and pop in the oven when ready. 

Since chicken thighs are dark meat, they are naturally more juicy and flavorful than white meat. And because they are a fattier cut of meat, they will stay juicy even if slightly overcooked.

The honey marinade also helps to keep the chicken thighs moist and tender while adding flavor at the same time.

❤️ Here is Why This Recipe Works

• The honey garlic sauce acts as a marinade and keeps the chicken juicy and tender. Plus, it gets used as a glaze while the chicken cooks and mingles with the juices from the chicken to make a delicious sauce. 
  
• It’s a quick and easy recipe that comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  
• Using bone-in chicken thighs makes this recipe more forgiving and less prone to drying out. The bones in the chicken thighs help insulate the meat and keeps it juicy.
  
• You only need one dish for this recipe, so cleanup is a breeze. 

The Ingredients

Here is a list of the ingredients you will need for these honey mustard chicken thighs. Scroll down to the printable recipe card for all the details. 

• Olive oil
• Honey. Honey adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the marinade. When the sauce reduces down the honey will concentrate and create a slightly sticky chicken. 
• Lemon juice. lemon juice adds a delicious brightness to the marinade and helps cut through some of the heavy flavors. You can substitute with apple cider vinegar if you don’t have lemon juice. 
• Garlic cloves. Fresh garlic adds depth and complexity and has more flavor than dried garlic. However, you can substitute with dried garlic if you don’t have fresh. 
• Dijon mustard. Mustard adds a twangy bite and compliments the honey and garlic. 
• Salt and pepper. 
• Fresh rosemary. You can use dried herbs if you don’t have fresh. 
• Chicken thighs. We are using skin on and bone in chicken thighs. You can use boneless skinless chicken thighs if you reduce the baking time. 

How to Make It

Here is a brief overview to get an idea of what to expect with these honey garlic chicken thighs. Scroll down to the printable recipe card for all the details.

1. Mix the marinade in a zip top bag and add the chicken thighs. Let the chicken marinate for 15 minutes or up to 8 hours. 
2. Transfer the chicken thighs to a casserole dish and drizzle ½ cup of the marinade over the chicken.  
3. Bake uncovered in the center of the oven until cooked through and golden brown. 

? Tips for Success

• Check for doneness with a meat thermometer. An instant-read thermometer should read 165°F. However, since chicken thighs have tough connective tissue, they will be more tender if you cook them to an internal temp of 175°F to 195°F. 
  
• If you don’t have a meat thermometer, check for doneness by cutting into the thickest part of the chicken. The juices should run clear and the flesh should be white, not pink.
  
• When the chicken thighs finish baking, let them rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving them. This will allow the juices to settle and redistribute, making them even more tender and flavorful.
  
• For extra crispy skin, place the baked chicken thighs under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes. 
  
• The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the chicken thighs or if you use boneless and skinless thighs. 

Substitutions and Variations

• Swap the honey for maple syrup or brown sugar. 
  
• Use hot honey or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade for more of a kick. 
  
• Use dried herbs instead of fresh rosemary. A general guideline is to use half as much dried herbs as fresh herbs, but since fresh rosemary has a more robust flavor than dried, toss in a bit more. 
  
• Use a different blend of herbs and spices. Some options that go well with these honey baked chicken thighs are thyme, oregano, Italian spice blend, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cumin (just to name a few). Use your creative culinary skills and experiment with different flavors. 
  
• Add a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for a rich, umami flavor. 

⏲ Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep them covered in the fridge for three days.

You can reheat the honey herb chicken in the microwave by zapping them in short bursts and turning them frequently. 

You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 12 to 15 minutes or until warm. If you add a splash of chicken broth to the dish and keep it covered, the chicken will stay moist and juicy. 

More Chicken Dinner Recipes

Nothing beats a delicious chicken dinner for a weeknight meal. Whether you’re looking for a healthy grilled chicken breast or something hearty and comforting like our chicken dumpling soup, we have some great recipes that add flavor and variety to your weekly menu.

• chicken thighs with white wine sauce
• baked BBQ chicken legs
• roasted chicken with vegetables

   

These garlic honey baked chicken thighs are a quick and easy meal that will surely please the whole family. The honey marinade doubles as a glaze and delicious sauce, plus it helps keep the chicken moist and tender. 

Helpful Tools

Some of the following are affiliate links. We may receive a small commission if you click on these links and purchase something. You don’t pay any extra, but it will help us keep the lights on. Here are some items that will make it easier to make this honey herb chicken.

• Baking dish
• Zip close bags (for the marinade)

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