Looking for a mouthwatering, easy-to-make dinner that’s packed with flavor? Try these Smokey Garlic Ginger Chicken Thighs with Roasted Asparagus. It’s the perfect combination of savory, smokey, and slightly spicy, and I guarantee one of my best recipes yet!

I mean, who could resist tender chicken thighs marinated in a delicious garlic-ginger sauce, seared to perfection, and served alongside crispy, roasted asparagus?! Not only is this dish a feast for the senses, but it’s also quick and easy enough to become a go-to weeknight meal.

HEALTHY, SMOKEY GARLIC GINGER CHICKEN THIGHS

If, like me, you’re a sucker for a good chicken thigh recipe, then you’ve come to the right place. This Smokey Garlic Ginger Chicken Thighs with Roasted Asparagus recipe is more than just a tasty meal—it’s a powerhouse of nutrients that’ll fuel your body and keep you feeling your best.

Chicken thighs are a great source of protein and healthy fats, which help keep you full and satisfied longer. They also provide essential vitamins like B6, which supports brain function and energy production. And they’re honestly just the more flavorful option than the usual chicken breast (which I love too, but gotta switch it up sometimes!).

The garlic and ginger add natural anti-inflammatory properties, while the asparagus is a solid source of fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, plus folate.

But if you’re not into asparagus, feel free to serve with whatever side you prefer—steamed rice, fresh salad, a different side of veggies (like my Crispy Buttery Broccolini), or check out the Sides tab on my blog for more inspo.

It all comes together with a few other marinade ingredients, and you have a dish that’s so flavorful, and so nourishing. I literally can’t stop thinking about this one!

A QUICK AND FLAVORFUL HIGH-PROTEIN MEAL

You know I’m all about quick and healthy meals—no complicated ingredients or hours in the kitchen. Simple, doesn’t take up too much time, but still tastes like you’ve spent hours prepping.

And these Smokey Garlic Ginger Chicken Thighs with Roasted Asparagus are all of those things. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, you can have this on the table in less than an hour. Not to mention, it makes for the best seconds (yes, I’m that into them), is high-protein, gluten-free, and dairy-free.

It’s definitely one of those recipes you’ll find yourself coming back to time and time again. Enjoy and let me know what you think below!

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 8 pieces)
• Coconut aminos
• Avocado oil (or coconut oil)
• Fresh ginger, grated
• Garlic cloves
• Honey
• Rice vinegar
• Sesame oil
• Red pepper flakes (for mild heat)
• Smoked paprika
• Sea salt
• Pepper
• Arrowroot starch
• Sesame seeds (to garnish)
• Green onions (to garnish)

HOW TO MAKE SMOKEY GARLIC GINGER CHICKEN THIGS WITH ROASTED ASPARAGUS

In a large bowl, whisk together the coconut aminos, avocado oil, ginger, garlic, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 12 hours for deeper flavor.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Transfer each chicken thigh to the skillet, uncovered, and sear for 5 to 6 minutes, until golden brown.

Flip the chicken, pour the remaining marinade into the pan, then cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Let cook for 10 minutes.

In the last 2 minutes of cooking, take 1 to 2 tablespoons of liquid from the pan, mix it with the arrowroot starch, then honey, and stir it back into the skillet. Let the sauce thicken slightly.

Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Serve with steamed rice, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad.

*I made broiled asparagus with avocado oil, sea salt, pepper, and parmesan. All you have to do is wash and trim your asparagus, toss with the oil, salt, pepper, and parm, heat on a sheet pan on the center rack on high-heat broil, then squeeze fresh lemon over top once done. Enjoy!

RECIPE SUBSTITUTIONS & QUESTIONS

For substitutions, I highly recommend making with chicken thighs, but you can definitely give this a try with chicken breast instead. Just be sure to adjust the cook time to allow the breasts to cook completely without drying.

Option to use coconut oil instead of avocado oil, and feel free to omit the red pepper flakes if you prefer no spice, or add a little more if you’d like more heat.

For sides, I mentioned above, but if you’re not into asparagus, feel free to serve with whatever side you prefer—steamed rice, fresh salad, a different side of veggies (like my Crispy Buttery Broccolini), or check out the Sides tab on my blog for more inspo.

WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM TIME TO MARINATE CHICKEN THIGHS?

The maximum time you should let chicken thighs marinate is 24 hours. If marinated for more than that, the texture of the meat may change, making it softer. I recommend to marinate these Smokey Garlic Chicken Thighs for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour, with no more than about 12 hours needed to get max flavor.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO ROAST ASPARAGUS?

Asparagus is done when tender and lightly browned, which usually takes about about 10 to 25 minutes to roast in the oven, depending on the temperature and thickness of the asparagus. The high-heat broil method I used in this recipe works great too, though!

LOOKING FOR MORE EASY, HIGH-PROTEIN MEALS?

Avocado Egg Salad

Healthy Mongolian Beef

20-Minute Shredded Chicken Verde

6 High-Protein Prep-Ahead Breakfasts

15-Minute Crispy Chicken (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)

Click here to watch the reel I made of this recipe 🙂