Hey y’all! If you’re looking for a mouthwatering dinner that’s as easy as it is delicious, these Honey Soy Chicken Thighs are sure to become your new favorite. With a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors, they’re juicy, sticky, and perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or even impressing guests. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Honey Soy Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Ready in under 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- The marinade creates irresistibly tender, flavorful chicken every time.
- Minimal prep with just a handful of pantry staples.
- Versatile – bake, grill, or sauté to fit your mood.
- Kid-friendly and perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
Honey Soy Chicken Thighs Ingredients
- 2 lbs (about 8) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/3 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for heat
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions, for garnish
How to Make Honey Soy Chicken Thighs: Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, olive oil, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken Thighs
Place chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over, making sure each piece is well coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes (up to 8 hours for maximum flavor).
Step 3: Bake the Honey Soy Chicken Thighs
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer in a large baking dish or a rimmed sheet pan. Pour any extra marinade over the top.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches 165°F (74°C) internally. For a caramelized finish, broil on high for 2-3 minutes at the end (keep a close eye!).
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving for a fresh crunch and flavor boost.
Honey Soy Chicken Thighs Cooking Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight if possible.
- Pat chicken dry before marinating to ensure maximum flavor absorption.
- Learn more about safe chicken cooking temperatures at the USDA Food Safety site.
Honey Soy Chicken Thighs Variations
- Grilled: Grill the marinated thighs over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes per side.
- Spicy Sriracha: Add 1 tablespoon sriracha to the marinade for a fiery kick.
- Sticky Drumsticks: Use the same marinade on bone-in chicken drumsticks and bake for 40-45 minutes.
Required Equipment for Honey Soy Chicken Thighs
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Zip-top bag or shallow dish for marinating
- Baking dish or rimmed sheet pan
- Meat thermometer
Storage Instructions for Honey Soy Chicken Thighs
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave on medium or bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
For longer storage, freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Serving Recommendations & Pairings for Honey Soy Chicken Thighs
- Steamed jasmine or basmati rice
- Stir-fried or roasted vegetables (like broccoli, bok choy, or bell peppers)
- Asian slaw or cucumber salad for a refreshing crunch
- Try pairing with a coconut rice for a tropical twist
Pro Tips for Perfect Honey Soy Chicken Thighs
- Use fresh garlic and ginger for the boldest, brightest flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan – give each piece space for even browning.
- For extra sticky sauce, simmer the leftover marinade on the stovetop for 3-4 minutes and drizzle over the finished chicken (more on safe sauce handling at Serious Eats).
Honey Soy Chicken Thighs FAQ
- Can I use chicken breasts instead? Yes, reduce baking time to 18-22 minutes and check for doneness at 165°F (74°C).
- Is this recipe gluten-free? Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
- Can I meal prep these Honey Soy Chicken Thighs? Absolutely—they reheat beautifully and stay juicy for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Marinate Time: 20 minutes – 8 hours
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes (plus marinating)
Ingredients
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish with foil or lightly grease it.
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2In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, olive oil, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and black pepper.
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3Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 10 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
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4Arrange the chicken thighs in the prepared baking dish, skin side up. Pour any remaining marinade over the chicken.
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5Bake for 35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is golden brown. Baste with pan juices halfway through cooking.
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6Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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