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Crispy honey garlic chicken thighs in a skillet with glossy caramelized sauce, golden brown crispy skin, sesame seeds and green onion garnish, warm kitchen lighting, overhead food photography
Sarah Mitchell

Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

I used to be intimidated by chicken thighs — I always reached for breasts because that's what I grew up eating. But once I tried cooking thighs with this honey garlic glaze, I never looked back.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 6 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Red pepper flakes to taste
  • Sesame seeds for garnish
  • 2 green onions, sliced

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Place the thighs skin-side down in a cold large skillet. Turn the heat to medium and cook without moving for 12-15 minutes until the skin is deeply golden and crispy.
  3. While the chicken cooks, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small bowl.
  4. Flip the thighs and cook for another 5 minutes on the other side.
  5. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken. Let it simmer and reduce for 5-7 minutes, spooning the sauce over the thighs as it thickens.
  6. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the sauce is thick and glossy.
  7. Garnish with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and red pepper flakes.
  8. Serve with steamed rice and roasted vegetables.

Notes

Starting in a cold pan is the secret to perfectly crispy skin. Don't skip patting the thighs dry — moisture is the enemy of crispy skin. This sauce also works amazingly on salmon or pork chops.