Sweet, savory, and finger-licking sticky — these Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs are the kind of weeknight dinner that disappears in minutes. Juicy bone-in thighs are seared until golden, then lacquered in a glossy honey garlic sauce that caramelizes into pure magic. Serve over rice with the extra sauce spooned on top.
Ingredients
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 1/2 lbs)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (optional)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds, for garnish
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Pat the thighs dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Sear until golden: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear thighs skin-side down for 6-7 minutes until deeply golden and crisp, then flip and cook 5 minutes more. Remove to a plate.
- Bloom the garlic: Lower heat to medium, add garlic and ginger, and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the glaze: Stir in honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 2 minutes.
- Thicken the sauce: Whisk in the cornstarch slurry and simmer until the sauce turns glossy and coats a spoon, about 1-2 minutes.
- Glaze the chicken: Return thighs to the skillet, turning to coat. Simmer 5-6 minutes until cooked through (165°F internal).
- Garnish and serve: Shower with sesame seeds and green onions, spoon extra sauce over, and serve hot over rice.
Pro tip: Don’t skip patting the chicken dry before searing — dry skin is the secret to that shatteringly crisp, golden crust.
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Estimated nutrition per serving: 440 calories, 35g protein, 18g carbs, 25g fat.
