Honey Baked Chicken Thighs

Honey Baked Chicken Thighs

Honey baked chicken thighs are perfect for a weeknight dinner. The quick marinade doubles as a glaze and gives the chicken so much flavor.

For extra tender chicken thighs, bake them until the internal temperature reaches 180°F. It is finished cooking at 165°F, but dark meat in chicken thighs is better at 180°F.

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Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 45

Total Time: 55

Servings: servings

Calories: 376kcal

Author: Pat Nyswonger

Ingredients

⅓ cup olive oil
⅓ cup honey
¼ cup lemon juice
4 large garlic cloves minced or grated
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
¼ teaspoon sea salt
pinch of freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon finely chopped rosemary
6 chicken thighs bone-in, skin on

To Thicken the Sauce (optional)

1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

Combine the first 8 ingredients in a closable plastic bag. Add the chicken thighs and seal the bag. Turn the bag to coat the chicken and allow it to marinate for 15 minutes or up to 8 hours.
When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 400°F and spray a baking dish with non-stick spray.
Transfer the chicken thighs skin up to the baking dish and keep them in a single layer. Drizzle ½ cup of the marinade over the top (discard the remaining marinade).
Bake for 35-45 minutes or until a meat thermometer registers 175°F to 180°F. Baste the chicken thighs halfway through the cooking time.
Transfer from the oven when done and cover the chicken with foil and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
To Thicken the Sauce (optional)
Transfer the sauce from the baking dish to a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
In a small dish, whisk the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water. Pour into the sauce, whisking constantly. Cook for 2 minutes until thickened. Serve with the chicken.

Notes

Large chicken thighs will take a longer cooking time. Be sure to check for doneness with a meat thermometer which should reach 175°F to 180°F.

Juices from the chicken will mix with the honey marinade in the baking dish. It makes a thin, spoonable sauce. The optional cornstarch will thicken it.

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