Ingredients
- Chicken Thighs (1.5 lbs): The star protein, chicken thighs are used for their rich flavor and ability to stay moist and tender during baking. You can also use chicken breasts if preferred, but thighs offer a more succulent result.
- Carrots (1 lb): The vibrant and sweet vegetable component. Choose medium-sized carrots, peeled and cut into even-sized sticks or rounds for uniform cooking.
- Honey (1/4 cup): The natural sweetener that creates the signature glaze. Honey adds a lovely floral sweetness and helps the carrots caramelize beautifully.
- Soy Sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds a savory umami depth and saltiness to balance the sweetness of the honey. Low-sodium soy sauce is recommended to control the salt level.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Used for both marinating the chicken and roasting the vegetables. Olive oil adds healthy fats and helps with browning.
- Garlic (2 cloves): Provides a pungent and aromatic base flavor. Freshly minced garlic is best for optimal taste.
- Ginger (1 teaspoon, grated): Adds a warm, slightly spicy and zesty note that complements the honey and soy sauce. Fresh ginger is highly recommended.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavors of the dish. Adjust to taste.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a touch of spice and complexity. Freshly ground black pepper is preferred for its bolder flavor.
- Fresh Parsley (Optional, for garnish): Provides a fresh, herbaceous finish and adds a pop of color to the dish.
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Carrots: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and peel the carrots. Cut them into sticks about the same size as your finger, or into rounds about ½ inch thick. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better in the oven.
- Make the Honey Glaze Marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Make sure everything is well combined to create a smooth and flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken and Carrots: Place the chicken thighs and carrot pieces in the bowl with the honey glaze marinade. Toss everything together to ensure the chicken and carrots are evenly coated with the marinade. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes for enhanced flavor. While it’s marinating, you can prepare any side dishes you plan to serve.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Spread the marinated carrots in a single layer on the baking sheet. Place the marinated chicken thighs on top of the carrots, also in a single layer. Ensure there’s a little space between the chicken and carrots for even cooking and browning.
- Bake in the Oven: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the carrots are tender and slightly caramelized. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). To get a nice glaze, you can baste the chicken and carrots with the pan juices halfway through the cooking time, around the 15-minute mark.
- Broil for Extra Glaze (Optional): For a more pronounced glaze and extra browning, you can broil the chicken and carrots for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep a very close eye on them during broiling to prevent burning, as the honey can caramelize quickly under high heat. Broil until the glaze is bubbly and slightly darkened.
- Rest and Garnish: Once cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the chicken and carrots rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices in the chicken to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, for a pop of freshness and visual appeal.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Honey Glazed Carrots & Chicken hot, alongside your favorite side dishes. The sweet and savory flavors are delicious with rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 35g