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Easy Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs – One Pan

sticky honey garlic chicken thighs - featured image

Juicy, crispy chicken thighs coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory honey garlic glaze, all made in one pan in under 30 minutes. A perfect weeknight dinner that even picky eaters will love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs or 900g)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/3 cup honey (about 110g)
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (about 60ml)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (about 15ml)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for thickening)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. Let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside. If using the cornstarch slurry, mix cornstarch and cold water in a separate small bowl and set aside.
  3. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Heat until shimmering.
  4. Place the chicken thighs in the pan, skin-side down. Sear undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until deep golden brown and crispy.
  5. Flip the chicken thighs using tongs. Cook for another 4-5 minutes until the other side is browned.
  6. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken. It will sizzle and bubble. Reduce heat to medium-low.
  7. Simmer for 8-10 minutes, turning the chicken occasionally to coat in the sauce. The sauce will reduce and thicken. If desired, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1 more minute until thickened.
  8. Check for doneness: internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part, or juices run clear when cut.
  9. Remove from heat. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
  10. Serve immediately over rice, quinoa, or with vegetables, spooning extra sauce from the pan over the chicken.

Notes

For extra sticky glaze, remove chicken after cooking and let sauce reduce alone for a few minutes before pouring back over. Don’t crowd the pan for best sear. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness. Leftovers keep in fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: sticky honey garlic chicken, one pan chicken thighs, easy weeknight dinner, honey garlic chicken, chicken thighs recipe