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Flavorful Honey Garlic Grilled Chicken Thighs

honey garlic grilled chicken thighs - featured image

This recipe features juicy, tender chicken thighs grilled with a sticky honey garlic glaze and toasted sesame seeds, perfect for a quick and delicious dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds / 900 grams)
  • 1/4 cup honey (85 grams)
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce (80 ml)
  • 4 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil (15 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (15 ml)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper (1 gram)
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds (18 grams)
  • 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup honey, 1/3 cup soy sauce, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, and 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper until glossy and aromatic.
  2. Marinate the chicken: Pat dry the chicken thighs with paper towels. Place them in the bowl with the marinade and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 1-2 hours.
  3. Preheat the grill to medium heat (around 350°F / 175°C). Clean and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
  4. Toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat, shaking frequently until golden and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Set aside.
  5. Grill the chicken: Place the thighs skin-side down on the grill. Cook for 6-8 minutes without moving until the skin crisps and grill marks form. Flip and cook for another 6-8 minutes, basting occasionally with leftover marinade. Watch for flare-ups and move chicken if flames rise.
  6. Check doneness with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part (avoiding bone); it should read 165°F (74°C). If no thermometer, ensure juices run clear and meat is firm but tender.
  7. Rest the chicken: Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil. Let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  8. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve hot.

Notes

Pat chicken skin dry before marinating for crispier skin. Avoid over-marinating to prevent mushy texture. Manage flare-ups by moving chicken away from direct flames and basting sparingly. Rest chicken before serving to keep it juicy. Toast sesame seeds fresh for best flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey garlic chicken, grilled chicken thighs, easy dinner, honey garlic glaze, sesame seeds, quick chicken recipe