Description
This Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs cooked to perfection in a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze. The crispy skin pairs perfectly with the flavorful sauce, making it a quick and delicious weeknight dinner option.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Chicken
- 6 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
Sauce & Seasoning
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon oil
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin, then set them aside.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Set the sauce mixture aside for later use.
- Cook the Chicken Skin-Side Down: Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook undisturbed for 5-7 minutes to render the fat and crisp the skin.
- Flip and Finish Cooking: Reduce the heat to medium, flip the chicken thighs, and continue cooking for 7-10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) or the juices run clear.
- Remove Chicken and Prepare Pan: Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate, leaving about 2 tablespoons of rendered chicken fat in the pan for flavor.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
- Make the Glaze: Pour the pre-mixed honey soy sauce into the pan. Cook it over medium heat until it starts to foam and thickens into a glaze consistency. Remove from heat before it gets too thick as it will continue to thicken while cooling.
- Coat Chicken and Serve: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet and spoon the glaze over them to coat thoroughly. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture. Enjoy your meal!
Notes
- Ensure chicken thighs are completely dry before cooking to achieve crispy skin.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- The glaze thickens as it cools; avoid over-reducing in the pan.
- Adjust sweetness by varying honey quantity to taste.
- Serve with steamed rice or vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with glaze
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
