Hey there, foodies! Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a lip-smacking dish that packs a punch of flavors? Well, look no further because we've got a recipe that will have you drooling in anticipation. Today, we're diving into the realm of irresistible goodness with our spicy honey garlic chicken thighs.
Brace yourselves for a dish that combines the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and savory notes, all in one juicy and succulent bite. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply craving a satisfying meal, these chicken thighs are bound to be a hit. So, grab your aprons and let's embark on a culinary adventure that will leave you craving for more!
This was inspired by my other recipe on this site, and pairs well with this amazing sidedish recipe.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Serves: 4-6
Jump to:
- Ingredients needed to make spicy honey garlic chicken thighs.
- How to make spicy honey garlic chicken thighs
- Variations on the spicy honey garlic chicken thighs recipe
- Equipment used in making spicy honey garlic chicken thighs.
- Storage for the spicy honey garlic chicken thighs
- Top tips for making spicy honey garlic chicken thighs
- Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs - to Satisfy Your Cravings!
Ingredients needed to make spicy honey garlic chicken thighs.
¼ c. tamari or coconut aminos
½ c. chicken broth, preferably organic
2 T. sesame oil, plus more for skillet, if necessary*
1 T. Sriracha sauce
⅓ c. honey, preferably local
4-5 large cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 t. fresh ginger, finely minced
2 T. fresh lime juice
6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
1 large green onion, sliced, green part only
1 T. white sesame seeds
How to make spicy honey garlic chicken thighs
- Prepare the sauce by whisking together the tamari, chicken broth, sesame oil, Sriracha sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and lime juice in a medium bowl. Set aside.
- Add the chicken thighs to a large well-seasoned cast iron skillet set over medium heat and season generously with salt and black pepper.
*Tip: If the pan is new or not well-seasoned, add 2 tablespoons sesame oil to the skillet before adding the chicken. - Cook until the chicken releases easily from the skillet, approximately 4-5 minutes. Turn the chicken and pour the sauce into the skillet. Continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes, spooning the pan sauce over the chicken as it cooks.
- Cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer until the chicken is cooked through, approximately 15-20 minutes, or until an instant read thermometer reads 160°F when inserted into the thickest part of the chicken.
- Remove from heat and brush the pan sauce over the chicken until nicely coated. Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes before topping with the sliced green onion and sesame seeds. Serve immediately with a drizzle of pan sauce on top and your choice of sides. Enjoy!
Variations on the spicy honey garlic chicken thighs recipe
- Asian Twist: Add a splash of soy sauce, minced ginger, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds to infuse the dish with an Asian flair.
- Citrus Zing: Squeeze some fresh lime or orange juice over the chicken thighs before baking for a refreshing and tangy twist.
- Smoky Delight: Incorporate a touch of smokiness by adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of chipotle powder to the marinade.
- Maple Glazed: Substitute honey with maple syrup for a unique and delightful combination of sweetness and smokiness.
- Mediterranean Fusion: Infuse some Mediterranean flavors by adding chopped Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of dried oregano to the marinade.
- Spicy Mango Tango: Puree some ripe mangoes and mix in a tablespoon of chili sauce or diced jalapenos for a tropical and fiery twist.
- Sweet and Sour Punch: Combine honey with a splash of rice vinegar, soy sauce, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a tantalizing sweet and sour experience.
- Herbed Infusion: Mix in a tablespoon of finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil to elevate the aromatic profile of the dish.
- Bourbon Bliss: Create a glaze by adding a tablespoon of bourbon to the marinade, resulting in a rich and complex flavor profile.
- Fiery Cajun Kick: Sprinkle a Cajun spice blend over the chicken thighs before baking to introduce a bold and spicy Cajun twist to the dish.
Equipment used in making spicy honey garlic chicken thighs.
Instant Read Thermometer
12” Cast Iron Skillet:
Storage for the spicy honey garlic chicken thighs
The 'Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs' can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It is important to properly store the cooked chicken thighs in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain their freshness. When reheating, make sure to heat them thoroughly until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.
Top tips for making spicy honey garlic chicken thighs
- Marinating Magic: Allow the chicken thighs to marinate in the spicy honey garlic sauce for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for even more flavor) to ensure the flavors penetrate the meat.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the spiciness to your preference by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes or adding a touch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
- Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality chicken thighs for the juiciest and most flavorful results.
- Basting is Key: While baking, baste the chicken thighs with the marinade every 10 minutes to keep them moist and enhance the flavors.
- Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken thighs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Broil for Crispy Skin: For extra crispy and golden skin, broil the chicken thighs for a couple of minutes at the end of the cooking time.
- Let It Rest: Allow the cooked chicken thighs to rest for a few minutes before serving to retain their juices and ensure maximum tenderness.
- Garnish for Visual Appeal: Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or cilantro over the finished dish to add a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve with a Sidekick: Pair the spicy honey garlic chicken thighs with a refreshing salad, steamed vegetables, or fluffy rice to create a well-rounded meal.
- Double the Batch: If you're feeding a crowd or want leftovers for later, double the recipe and adjust the cooking time accordingly. It's always better to have more of this delicious dish!
Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs - to Satisfy Your Cravings!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 - 6 servings
Description
Hey there, foodies! Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a lip-smacking dish that packs a punch of flavors? Well, look no further because we've got a recipe that will have you drooling in anticipation. Today, we're diving into the realm of irresistible goodness with our spicy honey garlic chicken thighs.
Ingredients
¼ c. tamari or coconut aminos
½ c. chicken broth, preferably organic
2 T. sesame oil, plus more for skillet, if necessary*
1 T. Sriracha sauce
⅓ c. honey, preferably local
4-5 large cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 t. fresh ginger, finely minced
2 T. fresh lime juice
6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
1 large green onion, sliced, green part only
1 T. white sesame seeds
Instructions
-
Prepare the sauce by whisking together the tamari, chicken broth, sesame oil, Sriracha sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and lime juice in a medium bowl. Set aside.
-
Add the chicken thighs to a large well-seasoned cast iron skillet set over medium heat and season generously with salt and black pepper.
*Tip: If the pan is new or not well-seasoned, add 2 tablespoons sesame oil to the skillet before adding the chicken. -
Cook until the chicken releases easily from the skillet, approximately 4-5 minutes. Turn the chicken and pour the sauce into the skillet. Continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes, spooning the pan sauce over the chicken as it cooks.
-
Cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer until the chicken is cooked through, approximately 15-20 minutes, or until an instant read thermometer reads 160°F when inserted into the thickest part of the chicken.
-
Remove from heat and brush the pan sauce over the chicken until nicely coated. Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes before topping with the sliced green onion and sesame seeds. Serve immediately with a drizzle of pan sauce on top and your choice of sides. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
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