Honey Garlic Baked Chicken Thighs
These honey garlic baked chicken thighs feature ultra-crispy skin, juicy meat, and a sticky-sweet herb crust. This easy, hands-off dinner is packed with flavor and perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup honey
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium if preferred)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary blend)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or thyme, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet or roasting pan with parchment or foil.
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Arrange skin-side up on the prepared pan. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
- Using a basting brush or spoon, generously coat each chicken thigh with the honey garlic sauce. Try to get some sauce under the skin if possible.
- In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs and dried Italian herbs. Sprinkle evenly over the sauced chicken thighs, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Bake on the middle rack for 30–35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 175°F (80°C) and the crust is golden and crisp. If thighs are large, add 5 minutes. Tent with foil if crust browns too quickly.
- For extra crunch, broil on high for 2–3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or thyme if desired.
Notes
For gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce. Pat chicken dry for maximum crispiness. Broil at the end for extra crunch, but watch closely to avoid burning. Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or air fryer for best texture. Try adding red pepper flakes for heat or lemon slices for a fresh twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 18
Keywords: honey garlic chicken, baked chicken thighs, crispy chicken, weeknight dinner, easy chicken recipe, herb crusted chicken, family dinner, meal prep, gluten-free option, dairy-free