Honey-Sesame Chicken Thighs

When it comes to protein, chicken is often at the top of many people’s go-to lists. It's lean, versatile, and widely available, making it a staple in many kitchens.

You probably already know that protein has numerous benefits for your body. It helps build muscle, strengthen bones, and keep you feeling full and satisfied long after you finish eating. But did you know that chicken also contains the amino acid tryptophan, which can boost your mood? That's right, not only is chicken nutritious, but it can also help improve your overall well-being.

Chicken Breast vs. Thighs

Both chicken breasts and thighs are excellent sources of protein, but portion sizes must be considered when incorporating them into meals.

Chicken breast tends to have less fat and fewer calories per serving. A 3 oz (85 g) serving of chicken breast contains approximately 140 calories, 3 g of total fat, and 1 g of saturated fat.

On the other hand, chicken thighs have slightly more calories and fat. A 3 oz (85 g) serving provides around 170 calories, 9 g of total fat, and 3 g of saturated fat. However,​ if you want to reduce the fat content in your chicken thighs, you can remove the chicken skin before cooking. 

Now that you know the nutritional benefits of chicken, it's time to put it into action with the quick and easy recipe​ below.

(makes 4 servings)

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless chicken thighs
• 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Sea salt & freshly ground black pepper
• 1 Tbsp honey
• ½ tsp rice vinegar
• ½ tsp coconut nectar or tamari
• 1 tsp sesame seeds

Preheat your oven to 425ºF/220ºC.

Place the chicken thighs in a baking dish. Drizzle the olive oil over them and add a sprinkle of salt & pepper. Bake for 20 minutes.
Whisk together the honey, vinegar, and coconut nectar. Brush over the tops of the chicken thighs. Sprinkle the chicken with the sesame seeds and return to the oven to bake for 5-7 minutes.

​Serve & enjoy!