Sticky Honey Baked Chicken Thighs offer a sweet and savory flavor profile with a glossy, caramelized glaze. These juicy, oven-baked thighs are perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet, sticky glaze with balanced savory notes
Oven-baked for a hands-off cooking method
Budget-friendly and family-approved
Pairs well with a variety of side dishes
Excellent for meal prepping or leftovers

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Honey
Soy sauce or tamari
Garlic, minced
Ginger, freshly grated
Olive oil or sesame oil
Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
Salt and black pepper
Optional: Red pepper flakes, cornstarch (for thickening), green onions

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, oil, and vinegar.
Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels, season lightly with salt and pepper.
Place chicken on the wire rack and brush generously with the honey mixture.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, basting once or twice during cooking with remaining sauce.
Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for extra caramelization, if desired.
Let rest briefly before serving, optionally garnished with sliced green onions.

Servings and timing

Servings: Serves 4–6
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 40–45 minutes
Total time: 50–55 minutes

Variations

Spicy honey: Add sriracha, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes to the glaze.
Citrus twist: Mix in orange zest or juice for a bright, citrusy note.
Garlic-forward: Double the garlic for an intense, aromatic flavor.
Boneless option: Use boneless thighs but reduce cooking time by 5–7 minutes.
Gluten-free: Substitute tamari or coconut aminos for soy sauce.

Storage/reheating

To store: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
To freeze: Freeze in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.
To reheat: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes or microwave in short intervals until hot.

FAQs

Can I use drumsticks or breasts instead?

Yes, but adjust cooking time accordingly. Drumsticks bake similarly; breasts cook faster.

Should I remove the chicken skin?

No, keeping the skin adds flavor and helps achieve a caramelized finish.

Can I marinate the chicken ahead of time?

Yes, marinate for up to 12 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.

What can I serve with these chicken thighs?

Great sides include rice, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Is it necessary to use a wire rack?

No, but using one allows air circulation for crispier skin and even cooking.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Simmer leftover glaze in a saucepan and add a cornstarch slurry if desired.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use two baking trays or cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.

How do I know the chicken is done?

Use a thermometer—internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

What type of honey is best?

Use a mild honey like clover or wildflower for balance; avoid strongly flavored honeys.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, the sweetness of the honey makes it very appealing to children.

Conclusion

Sticky Honey Baked Chicken Thighs deliver big flavor with little effort, making them ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. With their irresistible glaze and succulent meat, these thighs are sure to become a regular favorite in your kitchen. Serve them up hot with your favorite sides and enjoy a truly satisfying meal.