Savory Honey Glazed Cherry Chicken Thighs

Welcome to a culinary delight that will have your taste buds singing – Sticky Cherry Chicken Thighs! This recipe is a true standout, marrying the sweet essence of cherries with the savory goodness of tender chicken thighs. Picture succulent bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs coated in a luscious cherry glaze that’s sticky, glossy, and utterly irresistible.

The magic begins as sweet seasonal cherries meld with honey, soy sauce, and vinegar to create a vibrant sauce that clings to the chicken, resulting in a meal that’s both exciting and comforting. The glossy finish of the cherry glaze is not only visually stunning but also bursts with flavor, making each bite a journey for your palate.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering or simply craving a special dinner, these Sticky Cherry Chicken Thighs are sure to impress. The versatility of this dish shines through as you can customize it with fresh herbs, sliced jalapeños, or even swap out ingredients based on what’s in season. Get ready for a culinary adventure that promises to bring a touch of summer luxury to your table with every bite.

Quick Benefits

• Simmering fresh cherries with honey, soy sauce, and vinegar creates a thick, shiny sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
• Fresh mint, cilantro, and scallions bring a vibrant, aromatic finish to complement the sweet glaze.
• Fresh cherries deliver optimal flavor and texture, but thawed frozen cherries can be used when out of season.
• The heat level can be adjusted by varying the amount of jalapeño used, providing flexibility for different preferences.

Why You’ll Love This Savory Honey Glazed Cherry Chicken Thighs Recipe

• The combination of sweet cherries, honey, soy sauce, and vinegar creates a glossy, flavorful glaze that perfectly coats the tender chicken thighs, offering a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors.
• The dish is quick to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight meal that feels special and luxurious.
• The recipe offers versatility by allowing for ingredient substitutions like using frozen cherries or swapping rice vinegar for apple cider vinegar, making it adaptable to what’s available in your kitchen.
• The addition of fresh herbs like mint, cilantro, and scallions not only enhances the visual appeal of the dish but also adds a burst of fresh, aromatic flavors that complement the sweet glaze beautifully.
• The option to customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of jalapeño ensures that you can tailor the dish to suit your preferences, making it suitable for a variety of taste preferences.
• The sticky cherry chicken can be served with jasmine rice or couscous to soak up the delicious glaze, making it a satisfying and complete meal.
• This recipe has been tried and loved by many, with rave reviews from friends and neighbors who have enjoyed the glossy cherry glaze so much that they’ve started experimenting with different fruits and herbs based on the same method.
• The dish can be prepared ahead of time and leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer, allowing you to enjoy this tasty meal whenever you want without compromising on flavor and texture.

Ingredients for Savory Honey Glazed Cherry Chicken Thighs

Main components

• Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• Kosher salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Aromatics

• 2.5 cm (1 inch) fresh ginger, minced
• 1 small shallot, minced
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Glaze

• 225 grams (8 ounces) sweet cherries, stemmed, pitted, halved
• 3–4 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

Garnishes (optional)

• Sliced scallions
• Thinly sliced jalapeño
• Fresh cilantro leaves
• Fresh mint leaves

Pro Tips for Savory Honey Glazed Cherry Chicken Thighs

Pro Tip 1: For the best results, sear the chicken thighs until the skin is golden and crispy before adding the cherry glaze. This will add a delicious texture to the dish and prevent the skin from becoming soggy when mixed with the sauce.

Pro Tip 2: To enhance the flavor of the dish, consider marinating the chicken thighs in a mixture of soy sauce and minced ginger for 30 minutes before cooking. This will infuse the meat with extra savory and aromatic notes that will complement the sweet cherry glaze beautifully.

Pro Tip 3: When serving the Sticky Cherry Chicken Thighs, garnish with a generous amount of fresh herbs like mint, cilantro, and sliced jalapeño for a burst of freshness and color. These toppings not only add a vibrant finish but also balance out the richness of the dish, making each bite a delightful experience.

How to Make Savory Honey Glazed Cherry Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).

Step 2: Season Chicken

Dry chicken thighs and season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper on both sides.

Step 3: Sear Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken thighs skin-side down until golden and crisp, about 7 minutes.

Step 4: Sear Second Side

Flip the chicken and sear the opposite side for about 2 minutes.

Step 5: Roast Chicken

Place seared chicken thighs on a rack-lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until fully cooked through.

Step 6: Prepare Glaze

As the chicken roasts, sauté minced shallot, garlic, and ginger in the skillet over medium heat until fragrant, approximately 1 minute.

Step 7: Simmer Cherry Mixture

Combine cherries, honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar in the skillet. Simmer until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy, gently crushing some cherries for a syrupy glaze, for about 5-7 minutes.

Step 8: Glaze the Chicken

Add the baked chicken thighs back to the skillet and ensure they are fully coated in the cherry glaze.

Step 9: Plate and Garnish

Place glazed chicken on serving plates and top with sliced scallions, fresh mint, cilantro, and jalapeño to taste.

Storage Tips

After enjoying the Sticky Cherry Chicken Thighs, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, layer the chicken and glaze in a small skillet, add a splash of water, and warm gently over low heat to maintain the glaze’s smoothness and keep the chicken moist. Avoid over-microwaving to prevent the chicken skin from toughening.

For long-term storage, freeze the cooked chicken and glaze together in a freezer-safe container once fully cooled. When ready to enjoy again, thaw the dish in the refrigerator overnight for the best results. Reheat in a skillet with a little water to retain the texture and flavors of both the chicken and the sticky cherry glaze. These storage and reheating tips will help maintain the dish’s deliciousness and quality for future servings.

Ingredient Substitutions

If fresh sweet cherries are unavailable, feel free to substitute with thawed and drained frozen cherries for a similar result. They will still provide a deliciously sweet and tangy flavor to the dish. Additionally, if you don’t have rice vinegar on hand, apple cider vinegar can be used as a suitable alternative to provide the necessary tanginess to the glaze.

For those who don’t have shallots, a finely minced small sweet onion can be used as a substitute. This alternative will still provide a similar aromatic flavor to the dish. When it comes to the herbs, if you prefer a different flavor profile, basil can be used instead of fresh mint for a slightly different herbal note. This dish is versatile and can be adapted to suit personal tastes and ingredient availability.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try plating the Sticky Cherry Chicken Thighs on a bed of fluffy jasmine rice and topping with a generous drizzle of the glossy cherry glaze. Garnish with a sprinkle of sliced scallions, fresh mint leaves, and thinly sliced jalapeños for a burst of color and flavor. Serve alongside a crisp green salad with radishes and cucumbers to balance out the sweetness of the dish.

To take the presentation up a notch for gatherings, arrange the Sticky Cherry Chicken on a large platter and scatter extra fresh herbs and sliced jalapeños on top. This way, guests can customize their own bites with their preferred toppings, creating a visually appealing and interactive dining experience. The vibrant colors and aromatic herbs will not only enhance the dish’s flavor but also make for a stunning centerpiece on the table.

FAQs for Savory Honey Glazed Cherry Chicken Thighs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs or breasts instead of bone-in chicken thighs?

Yes, boneless thighs or breasts can be substituted but may cook faster, so adjust roasting time accordingly.

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh cherries?

Fresh cherries deliver optimal flavor and texture, but thawed frozen cherries can be used when out of season.

What herbs can I use to finish the dish if I don’t have fresh mint, cilantro, or scallions?

You can use basil as a substitute for fresh mint or cilantro. If scallions are not available, you can use chives or finely chopped red onions for a similar flavor profile.

How can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?

The heat level can be adjusted by varying the amount of jalapeño used. For a spicier dish, increase the amount of jalapeño, and for a milder flavor, you can omit the jalapeño slices altogether.

Conclusion

I hope this recipe for Sticky Cherry Chicken Thighs becomes a beloved staple in your household, just like it has in mine! The combination of sweet cherries and savory chicken is truly a match made in culinary heaven. The glossy cherry glaze is sure to impress your family and friends, making every meal feel like a special occasion.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with this recipe – experiment with different fruits and herbs to create your own unique twists on these Sticky Cherry Chicken Thighs. Whether you’re enjoying this dish on a cozy weeknight or serving it at a special gathering, the vibrant flavors and tender chicken will always be a crowd pleaser. Embrace the joy of cooking and savor every delicious bite of these Sticky Cherry Chicken Thighs!