Honey-Marmalade Glazed Scotch Whisky Chicken Thighs

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken thighs glazed with a sweet and zesty honey and marmalade sauce enhanced by subtle Scotch whisky notes. This general-inspired chicken ready in about 40 minutes pairs salt, black pepper, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat dry 4 chicken thighs and season evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 6-7 minutes until skin is golden brown and crisp.
  3. Step 3: Flip the chicken thighs and cook for an additional 3 minutes. Remove excess fat from the pan if necessary.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup Scotch whisky, 3 tbsp orange marmalade, 2 tbsp honey, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves until smooth.
  5. Step 5: Pour the glaze evenly over the chicken thighs in the skillet, then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
  6. Step 6: Roast for 15-20 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the glaze is bubbling and caramelized.
  7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving, spooning extra glaze from the pan over the chicken.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Honey-Marmalade Glazed Scotch Whisky Chicken Thighs take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Honey-Marmalade Glazed Scotch Whisky Chicken Thighs?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Honey-Marmalade Glazed Scotch Whisky Chicken Thighs?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Honey-Marmalade Glazed Scotch Whisky Chicken Thighs for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Honey-Marmalade Glazed Scotch Whisky Chicken Thighs?

General chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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