Crispy Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Thighs
A quick and easy recipe featuring bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs seared to a golden crisp and glazed with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights and crowd-pleasing dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 680 g)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup (85 g) honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons water
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Pat chicken thighs dry thoroughly with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. (5 minutes)
- Heat a heavy skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive or vegetable oil and warm until shimmering but not smoking. (3 minutes)
- Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot oil. Press gently with tongs to keep skin flat. Cook without moving until skin is deep golden and crispy, about 7-9 minutes. If skin sticks, give it more time until it releases naturally. (7-9 minutes)
- Flip chicken thighs over and reduce heat to medium. Cook the meat side for an additional 6-8 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. (6-8 minutes)
- While chicken cooks, whisk together in a small bowl: honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, red pepper flakes (if using), and water. (3 minutes)
- Reduce heat to low and pour the glaze mixture over the chicken thighs in the pan. Spoon the glaze repeatedly over the chicken as it simmers and thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Avoid burning by keeping heat moderate.
- Remove chicken from heat and let rest for 5 minutes to lock in juices. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top before serving.
Notes
Pat chicken dry thoroughly for best crispiness. Use a heavy-bottomed pan like cast iron for even heat and best sear. Keep heat low when glazing to prevent burning the honey. Add water to loosen glaze if it thickens too much. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 9
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 32
Keywords: honey garlic chicken, crispy chicken thighs, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, honey garlic glaze, pan-seared chicken