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Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

crispy honey garlic chicken thighs - featured image

Crispy skin chicken thighs glazed with a sticky, sweet honey garlic sauce, perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds / 700 g)
  • Salt and pepper, to season
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced for garnish

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, water, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a 10-12 inch non-stick or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  4. Place chicken thighs skin-side down carefully in the skillet. Cook without moving for 6-8 minutes until the skin is deep golden and crispy.
  5. Flip the chicken thighs and reduce heat to medium. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) or juices run clear.
  6. Pour the prepared glaze over the chicken in the pan. Using tongs, gently turn the thighs to coat them well. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, spooning it over the chicken as it thickens.
  7. Remove skillet from heat. Let chicken rest in the pan for a couple of minutes to soak up the sauce.
  8. Sprinkle sliced green onions on top before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken skin dry for best crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming. If glaze thickens too much before coating, add a splash of water to loosen it. Let chicken rest after cooking to redistribute juices. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Oven-baked adaptation: sear skin-side down 5 minutes, then bake at 400°F for 15 minutes, adding glaze last 5 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey garlic chicken, crispy chicken thighs, easy dinner, weeknight meal, sweet glaze chicken, boneless chicken thighs