Are you ready to transform your ordinary dinner into a flavor explosion that will make your taste buds dance? Get ready to discover the ultimate Five Spice Chicken Thighs recipe that combines the bold, aromatic magic of Chinese cuisine with incredibly crispy, juicy chicken that will have everyone at your table begging for seconds! This mouthwatering dish is not just a meal, it's a culinary adventure that brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your home kitchen in less than an hour.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon five spice powder
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin and better seasoning absorption.
- In a mixing bowl, combine five spice powder, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to create a marinade. Whisk ingredients until well blended.
- Place chicken thighs in the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally 2-4 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Remove chicken from refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a cast-iron skillet to prevent sticking.
- Arrange chicken thighs skin-side up on the baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other for even cooking.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from oven and let chicken rest for 5-7 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat.
- Optionally, garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds before serving.
Tips
- Pat the chicken thighs completely dry before marinating to ensure the most crispy, golden-brown skin possible.
- For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2-4 hours. The longer the marination, the more deeply the five spice and soy sauce will penetrate the meat.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken - the internal temperature should precisely hit 165°F (74°C) for safe and juicy results.
- Allow the chicken to rest after cooking. This crucial 5-7 minute resting period helps redistribute the juices, ensuring each bite is tender and moist.
- For extra flavor complexity, consider toasting your five spice powder briefly in a dry pan before mixing with other marinade ingredients to enhance its aromatic profile.
- If you want an even crispier skin, you can finish the chicken under the broiler for 1-2 minutes after roasting, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 125mg
