Print

Flavorful Honey Garlic Grilled Chicken Thighs

honey garlic grilled chicken thighs - featured image

Juicy, tender chicken thighs grilled to perfection with a sticky, sweet, and savory honey garlic glaze. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or summer barbecues.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 3 lbs / 1.4 kg)
  • 3 tablespoons honey (raw or local preferred)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (60 ml; low sodium recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to help the skin crisp up. Trim excess fat if desired.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using until glossy and thick but pourable.
  3. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl or a sealable plastic bag and turn to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours. Do not marinate longer than 4 hours.
  4. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F / 200°C). If using charcoal, wait until coals have a white ash coating. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
  5. Place chicken skin-side down on the grill. Grill for about 6-7 minutes per side, flipping once. During the last few minutes, brush extra marinade or honey over the chicken to build up the sticky glaze.
  6. Check for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) or juices run clear when pierced.
  7. Remove chicken from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes on a serving platter to redistribute juices.
  8. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro if desired and serve hot.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry before grilling is essential for crispy skin. Apply the glaze towards the end of grilling to prevent burning. Let the chicken rest after grilling to keep it juicy. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. If no grill is available, bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes, brushing with glaze halfway through.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey garlic chicken, grilled chicken thighs, sticky chicken glaze, easy chicken recipe, barbecue chicken, summer grilling, quick dinner