Marinating chicken thighs in a honey and soy sauce mixture creates a delicious balance of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for a tasty meal. Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing honey and soy sauce marinated chicken thighs, ideal for cooking in an oven, grill, or even an air fryer.
Ingredients:
- 8 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on or skinless, according to preference)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional for added flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions:
STEP 1: PREPARE THE MARINADE
- In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil (if using), and black pepper until well combined.
- Taste the marinade and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Depending on your preference, you might add a little more honey for sweetness or soy sauce for saltiness.
STEP 2: MARINATE THE CHICKEN
- Place the chicken thighs in the bowl with the marinade or in a large zip-lock bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
- Seal the bag or cover the bowl, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or for best results, overnight. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be.
STEP 3: PREPARE FOR COOKING
- Preheat your oven, grill, or air fryer. For oven baking, preheat to 400°F (200°C). For grilling, prepare your grill for medium-high heat. For air frying, preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Reserve the marinade for basting if desired.
STEP 4: COOK THE CHICKEN
- Oven Baking: Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased baking rack. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is caramelized. Baste with reserved marinade halfway through cooking, if desired.
- Grilling: Grill the chicken thighs over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, for about 20-25 minutes, or until fully cooked. Baste with the marinade during the first 10 minutes of grilling.
- Air Frying: Arrange the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the chicken is cooked through and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
STEP 5: SERVE
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken more moist and flavorful.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Tips:
- Always check the internal temperature of your chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s safely cooked to 165°F (74°C).
- The reserved marinade should be boiled before basting or serving as a sauce to eliminate any bacteria from the raw chicken.
This honey and soy sauce marinated chicken thighs recipe is versatile and can be served with a variety of sides, such as steamed rice, vegetables, or a fresh salad, making it a perfect dish for any occasion.
