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Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

crispy honey garlic chicken thighs - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for crispy chicken thighs coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory honey garlic glaze. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep with juicy meat and golden, crunchy skin.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds or 900 grams)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup honey (85 grams)
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (45 ml)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar (15 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons water (30 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, to thicken glaze)
  • Fresh green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness.
  3. Season both sides of the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper.
  4. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large heavy-bottom skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking (about 3 minutes).
  5. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down carefully in the hot pan and press down slightly for even contact.
  6. Cook without moving for 6-8 minutes until the skin is deep golden brown and crispy. The chicken will release easily from the pan when ready.
  7. Flip the chicken and cook the flesh side for 3 minutes to get some color.
  8. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 15-18 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  9. While the chicken roasts, prepare the glaze by whisking together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and water in a small bowl. Stir in cornstarch if a thicker glaze is desired.
  10. Remove the skillet from the oven and pour off excess fat, leaving about a tablespoon in the pan.
  11. Add the glaze to the skillet and return to medium heat. Spoon the glaze over the chicken as it simmers and thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
  12. Coat the chicken evenly with the sticky honey garlic sauce.
  13. Garnish with sliced green onions if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

Pat chicken dry thoroughly to ensure crispy skin. Do not overcrowd the pan to avoid steaming. Add glaze at the end and stir frequently to prevent burning. Use a cast iron skillet for best results. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days and reheat gently in a skillet or oven to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

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