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A close-up of perfectly glazed honey garlic chicken thighs

Classic Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

These classic honey garlic chicken thighs are sweet, savory, and incredibly easy to make. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, they feature tender chicken coated in a sticky, flavorful sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Paper Towels
  • Medium Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Small Bowl
  • Large Oven-Safe Skillet
  • Oven
  • Meat Thermometer

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 6-8 Chicken Thighs boneless, skinless or bone-in, skin-on
  • 1/2 cup Honey
  • 1/4 cup Soy Sauce low-sodium optional
  • 4-6 Garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil
  • 1 teaspoon Ginger grated fresh (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon Cold Water for slurry
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
  • Salt To taste
  • Black Pepper To taste

Optional Garnish

  • Sliced green onions
  • sesame seeds

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and black pepper.
  • Whisk honey, soy sauce, garlic, apple cider vinegar, sesame oil, and ginger in a bowl to make the sauce.
  • Prepare a cornstarch slurry by whisking 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water, then set aside.

Cooking

  • Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Sear chicken thighs skin-side down for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy; flip and sear the other side for 3-4 minutes (or 4-5 minutes per side for boneless, skinless).
  • Remove chicken from the pan and set it aside.
  • Reduce heat to medium, pour the honey-garlic sauce into the skillet, and bring to a gentle simmer.
  • Stir in the cornstarch slurry and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  • Return the seared chicken to the skillet, coating them thoroughly with the sauce.
  • Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • For extra crispiness, broil briefly for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully.

Serving

  • Remove from the oven, garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
  • Let the chicken rest in the sauce for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. This recipe pairs well with steamed rice and roasted vegetables.