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Cozy Honey Garlic Grilled Chicken Thighs

honey garlic grilled chicken thighs - featured image

A cozy, comforting grilled chicken thigh recipe featuring a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze with a perfect caramelized finish. Easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or backyard barbecues.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds / 900 grams)
  • 1/4 cup (85 grams) honey
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Kosher or sea salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat the 6 chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. (Time: 5 minutes)
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup honey, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes if using until smooth and slightly thick. (Time: 5 minutes)
  3. Place the chicken thighs in a shallow dish or zip-top bag. Pour about half of the glaze over the chicken, turning to coat evenly. Marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours (optional). (Time: 30 minutes to 2 hours)
  4. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F / 200°C). Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking. (Time: 10 minutes)
  5. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill. Cook undisturbed for 6-8 minutes until the skin is golden and crisp. (Time: 6-8 minutes)
  6. Flip the chicken thighs and brush generously with some of the reserved glaze. Continue grilling for another 6-8 minutes, basting every 2-3 minutes with more glaze. Watch for flare-ups and move chicken if needed. (Time: 6-8 minutes)
  7. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness; the thickest part should reach 165°F (74°C). The glaze should be sticky and caramelized but not burnt. (Time: 1-2 minutes)
  8. Remove the thighs from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices. (Time: 5 minutes)
  9. Serve with any remaining glaze spooned over the chicken. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure crispy skin. Apply glaze only after flipping to prevent burning. Use a meat thermometer to avoid undercooking. Rest chicken after grilling to keep it juicy. If glaze thickens while resting, warm gently before brushing. For indoor cooking, use a grill pan or oven bake at 425°F for 25-30 minutes, glazing halfway and broiling briefly to crisp skin.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey garlic chicken, grilled chicken thighs, easy chicken recipe, honey garlic glaze, backyard barbecue, comfort food, quick dinner