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Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

crispy honey garlic chicken thighs - featured image

A quick and easy recipe featuring bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs seared to crispy perfection and coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory honey garlic glaze. Tender, juicy meat with a golden crust makes this dish a crowd-pleaser perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs / 900g)
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced fresh
  • 1/4 cup honey (85g)
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup water (60ml)
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, water, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.
  3. Heat a cast iron skillet or heavy pan over medium-high heat and add the oil. Heat until shimmering but not smoking, about 2 minutes.
  4. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the pan. Press lightly to ensure full contact with the pan. Cook undisturbed for 7-9 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy.
  5. Flip the chicken thighs and cook for another 5-6 minutes until browned and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Lower heat to medium-low and pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken. Gently tip the pan to spread the sauce. Simmer for 3-5 minutes, spooning the glaze over the chicken frequently until thick and sticky.
  7. Remove the pan from heat and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken dry for best crispiness. Do not crowd the pan. Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for juiciness and crispy skin. Add sauce after searing to keep skin crispy. Optionally finish under broiler for 1-2 minutes for extra crispiness. Use tamari for gluten-free. Avoid microwaving leftovers to keep skin crispy.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey garlic chicken, crispy chicken thighs, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, sticky glaze, bone-in chicken, savory sweet chicken