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Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

crispy honey garlic chicken thighs - featured image

Crispy chicken thighs with a sticky honey garlic glaze that balances sweet and savory flavors, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds / 900g)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup honey (about 85g)
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Let sit for 10 minutes at room temperature.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, water, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes if using. Set aside.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Heat until a drop of water sizzles on contact, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot pan. Press down lightly with tongs to ensure even contact. Cook without moving for 6-7 minutes until skin is golden brown and crisp.
  5. Flip the thighs and cook for another 5 minutes on the other side to brown the meat slightly.
  6. Pour the honey garlic glaze over the chicken. Reduce heat to medium-low and spoon the glaze over the thighs as it thickens, cooking for 4-5 minutes until sauce is sticky and coats the chicken.
  7. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F (74°C). If needed, cover the pan and cook a few more minutes on low heat or transfer to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-8 minutes.
  8. Remove chicken from the pan and let rest for 5 minutes. Drizzle any extra glaze over the top and garnish with chopped parsley or sliced green onions.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before cooking for crispy skin. Do not overcrowd the pan. Sear skin-side down without moving for best crispiness. Watch glaze closely to prevent burning. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3 days and can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

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