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Sticky Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Thighs

sticky honey garlic glazed chicken thighs - featured image

Juicy, bone-in chicken thighs are seared and glazed in a sticky, sweet-savory honey garlic sauce, then finished under the broiler for irresistibly crisp skin. This easy 30-minute dinner is packed with flavor and perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (about 8) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 45 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
  • Fresh chives or green onions, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 5-7 minutes until deep golden brown. Flip and cook another 3 minutes. Remove chicken to a plate and drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the skillet.
  3. Lower heat to medium-low. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, water, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits.
  5. Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until it starts to thicken. Add a splash of water if too thick, or simmer longer if too thin.
  6. Return chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up. Spoon sauce over each piece. Simmer uncovered for 2-3 minutes, turning once, so the glaze coats the chicken.
  7. Transfer skillet to the oven and broil on high (about 6 inches from the heat) for 2-4 minutes, until the glaze is bubbly and the skin is sticky and crisp. Watch closely to prevent burning.
  8. Remove from oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes. Spoon extra glaze over the chicken and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped chives or green onions if desired.

Notes

For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Watch the glaze closely under the broiler to prevent burning. Let the chicken rest before serving for juicier meat and glossier glaze. You can substitute chicken breasts or drumsticks, but adjust cooking time accordingly. Garnish with sesame seeds and chives for extra flavor and presentation.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey garlic chicken, sticky chicken thighs, easy chicken dinner, weeknight chicken recipe, glazed chicken, Asian chicken, skillet chicken, broiled chicken, quick dinner, family meal