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Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

crispy honey garlic chicken thighs - featured image

A quick and easy recipe featuring crispy skin chicken thighs glazed with a sweet and garlicky honey sauce, perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 3 pounds / 1.4 kg)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil (avocado oil preferred)
  • 4 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/3 cup honey (about 113 grams)
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (60 ml), low sodium recommended
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 green onions, sliced thinly, for garnish
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Let rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil. Wait until the oil shimmers but is not smoking, about 2 minutes.
  4. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet. Press gently with tongs to ensure even contact. Cook without moving for 7-9 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy.
  5. Flip the chicken thighs and cook the other side for 5-7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Transfer the chicken to a plate and pour off excess fat from the pan, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
  7. Pour the honey garlic glaze into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir constantly and scrape up browned bits from the pan.
  8. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet and spoon the glaze over them. Cook for 2-3 minutes, turning to coat evenly until the glaze thickens and becomes sticky. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  9. Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken dry to ensure crispy skin. Avoid overcrowding the pan to allow even browning. Stir glaze constantly to prevent burning; add a splash of water if it thickens too fast. Let chicken rest after cooking to lock in juices. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Oven-baked variation available by finishing chicken in a 425°F oven for 10-12 minutes after searing.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken thighs, honey garlic chicken, sticky glaze chicken, easy dinner, quick chicken recipe, weeknight meal, garlic chicken, honey glaze