These Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs deliver the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky flavor. Crispy skin-on chicken thighs are seared until golden, then baked in a sticky honey garlic sauce infused with soy, ginger, and sesame oil. This easy recipe is bold, comforting, and restaurant-worthy—perfect for busy weeknights or a special dinner at home.
6 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
½ cup honey
5 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon ground ginger
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and ground ginger until well combined.
Season the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
Marinate: Place the chicken in a shallow dish or resealable bag. Pour the sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated. Marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
Sear the chicken: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 5–7 minutes, until the skin is golden and crispy.
Flip and bake: Flip the chicken thighs over, then pour the remaining sauce into the skillet. Transfer the skillet to the oven.
Cook through: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Baste: Halfway through baking, spoon the sauce over the chicken to enhance flavor and glaze.
Rest: Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
Dry the chicken skin well before seasoning to get maximum crispiness.
Watch the sauce carefully—honey can burn quickly if heat is too high.
For extra sauce, double the marinade and simmer leftovers for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve with rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables to soak up the sticky glaze.
Boneless thighs work too, but reduce oven time by about 5–7 minutes.
Find it online: https://biteseason.com/honey-garlic-chicken-thighs-2/