Flavorful Honey Garlic Grilled Chicken Thighs Easy 5-Ingredient Marinade Recipe
Juicy, tender grilled chicken thighs with a simple 5-ingredient honey garlic marinade that caramelizes beautifully on the grill for a sweet-savory punch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes plus marinating time
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (boneless optional)
- 1/4 cup (85g) honey
- 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) apple cider vinegar
- Optional: red pepper flakes, fresh chopped herbs (parsley or cilantro), splash of sesame oil
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup honey, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 3 cloves minced garlic, and 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar until glossy and syrupy.
- Marinate the chicken: Place chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over chicken, coat evenly, seal, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally 4 to 6 hours.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375°F to 400°F).
- Grill chicken: Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Discard marinade. Place thighs skin-side down on grill and cook 6–7 minutes per side until skin is crisp and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Rest chicken for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Notes
Marinate chicken for 1 to 6 hours; avoid over 8 hours to prevent texture changes. Pat chicken dry before grilling for crispier skin. Use medium-high heat and flip only once. Rest chicken after grilling. Spray water to control flare-ups. Oven-bake option: 425°F for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5
- Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Protein: 23
Keywords: honey garlic chicken, grilled chicken thighs, easy marinade, 5-ingredient recipe, summer grilling, quick dinner, gluten-free option