### Baked Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs: A Flavorful Delight

**Introduction**

Imagine a plate of succulent chicken thighs, glazed to perfection with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, topped with fresh rosemary. This is exactly what you get with Baked Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish brings together simplicity and rich flavors for an unforgettable meal. The honey garlic sauce caramelizes beautifully, creating a delightful combination of tastes that will have everyone asking for seconds.

**Ingredients**

To recreate this delectable dish, you will need:

– **4 chicken thighs**, skin-on and bone-in
– **1/4 cup honey**
– **3 tablespoons soy sauce**
– **4 cloves garlic**, minced
– **2 tablespoons olive oil**
– **1 tablespoon fresh rosemary**, chopped
– **Salt and black pepper**, to taste

**Instructions**

**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**

– **Preheat the Oven**:
– Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking.

– **Season the Chicken**:
– Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy skin. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.

**Step 2: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce**

– **Combine Ingredients**:
– In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and olive oil until well combined. This sauce will be the star of the dish, providing both sweetness and a savory kick.

**Step 3: Cook the Chicken**

– **Sear the Chicken**:
– Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of olive oil. Sear the chicken thighs, skin-side down, for 3-4 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. This step adds extra flavor and texture to the chicken.

– **Bake the Chicken**:
– Transfer the seared chicken thighs to a baking dish, skin-side up. Pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Sprinkle the chopped fresh rosemary over the top.

– **Bake**:
– Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). To keep the chicken moist and flavorful, baste it with the sauce halfway through the baking time.

**Step 4: Serve**

– **Garnish and Serve**:
– Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh rosemary if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the combination of tender chicken with a beautifully caramelized glaze.

**Tips for Perfect Honey Garlic Chicken**

– **Use Fresh Ingredients**:
– Fresh garlic and rosemary significantly enhance the flavors of this dish. Don’t skimp on freshness to get the best results.

– **Basting is Key**:
– Basting the chicken with the sauce during baking helps to keep it moist and flavorful. Make sure to do this halfway through cooking.

– **Check Doneness**:
– Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.

**Conclusion**

Baked Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs offer a mouthwatering combination of sweet and savory flavors, making them a favorite for many. The honey garlic glaze and aromatic rosemary elevate this dish to a new level of deliciousness. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy the process and the delightful meal that follows!