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Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

crispy honey garlic chicken thighs - featured image

A quick and easy recipe featuring crispy chicken thighs coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory honey garlic sesame glaze. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 3 lbs / 1.36 kg)
  • 1/4 cup honey (85 g)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (preferably low sodium)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
  • 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
  • 2 tablespoons cold water (for cornstarch slurry)
  • 1 tablespoon cooking oil (for searing chicken)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides lightly with salt and pepper. Let them rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, and grated ginger until combined. Set aside.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place chicken thighs skin-side down carefully. Cook without moving for about 7-8 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crisp. Flip the thighs and cook the other side for 5 minutes.
  4. Pour the glaze evenly over the chicken in the pan. Reduce heat to medium-low and cover loosely with a lid. Let it simmer for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to coat and letting the glaze thicken and soak into the chicken.
  5. Mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Pour it into the skillet and gently stir. Cook for another 2 minutes until the glaze is glossy and clings well to the chicken.
  6. Remove from heat. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the top before serving.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry is essential for crispy skin. Use moderate heat to avoid burning the glaze. Avoid crowding the pan to maintain temperature and crispiness. Use tongs instead of forks to keep skin intact. If glaze thickens too much, add a splash of water. Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet to restore crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken thighs, honey garlic chicken, sesame glaze, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, sticky chicken, garlic chicken, sesame oil