Description
These succulent honey glazed chicken thighs feature a perfectly caramelized sticky-sweet glaze with garlic and hints of tang. Golden, juicy, and incredibly flavorful, this easy one-pan recipe is ready in just 40 minutes and delivers restaurant-quality results every time.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2.5-3 lbs)
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels—this is crucial for getting crispy skin. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes (if using) until fully combined. Set aside.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, place chicken thighs skin-side down in the pan. Don’t overcrowd—work in batches if necessary. Sear without moving for 5-6 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip and sear the other side for 3-4 minutes.
- Add the Glaze: Reduce heat to medium. Pour the honey glaze over and around the chicken thighs. Use a spoon to coat the chicken with glaze, being careful not to wash off the crispy skin.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, basting with pan juices halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the glaze is thick and caramelized.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. The glaze will thicken further as it cools. Spoon extra glaze over the chicken, garnish with fresh parsley or sliced green onions, and serve immediately.
Notes
- For Extra Glossy Glaze: Reserve 2 tablespoons of the glaze before adding it to the pan. Brush this fresh glaze over the chicken in the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Boneless Thighs: If using boneless, skinless thighs, reduce oven time to 10-12 minutes and sear for only 3-4 minutes per side.
- Glaze Too Thin? If your glaze seems runny after baking, remove the chicken and simmer the pan juices on the stovetop for 2-3 minutes to reduce.
- Scaling Up: This recipe doubles easily for meal prep or larger gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop to Oven
- Cuisine: American Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 chicken thighs
- Calories: 425
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 165mg