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Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

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.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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)

Instructions

  • 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.

Notes

  • 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.