Description
Crispy, juicy chicken thighs coated in a sticky sweet and savory honey garlic glaze that’s bursting with flavor. This easy one-pan recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in just 35 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 6-8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2.5-3 lbs)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
For the Honey Garlic Glaze:
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 5-6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
For Garnish (optional):
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels—this is crucial for crispy skin! Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika if using.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while you prepare the other components.
Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Glaze
In a small bowl or saucepan, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, ginger (if using), and red pepper flakes. In a separate small bowl, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Set both aside.
Step 4: Sear the Chicken
Heat oil in a large oven-safe skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, place chicken thighs skin-side down in the pan. Don’t move them! Let them sear undisturbed for 6-8 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side.
Step 5: Add the Glaze
Reduce heat to medium. Pour the honey garlic mixture over and around the chicken thighs. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, spooning the sauce over the chicken occasionally.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
Stir the cornstarch slurry once more (it settles), then pour it into the skillet. Stir gently to combine with the glaze. The sauce will begin to thicken within 1-2 minutes.
Step 7: Finish in the Oven
Transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the glaze is bubbling and caramelized.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Remove from oven (careful—the handle is hot!). Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes. The glaze will thicken slightly as it cools. Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite sides!
Notes
- For boneless, skinless thighs: Reduce cooking time by about 5 minutes and skip the oven step—just finish on the stovetop with a lid on for 8-10 minutes.
- Make it spicier: Add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the glaze.
- Low-carb version: Replace honey with a sugar-free sweetener like monk fruit syrup (adjust to taste).
- Extra crispy skin: After baking, turn on the broiler for 2-3 minutes to caramelize the top even more.
- Don’t have an oven-safe skillet? Transfer chicken to a baking dish before putting it in the oven.
- Glaze too thick: Add a splash of water or chicken broth to thin it out.
- Glaze too thin: Simmer longer or add a bit more cornstarch slurry.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop to Oven
- Cuisine: Asian-American Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with glaze
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 165mg