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Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs feature juicy bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs cooked to perfection and coated in a sweet, garlicky sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this family-friendly dish combines bold flavors of honey, garlic, soy sauce, and a hint of apple cider vinegar for a satisfying weeknight dinner that’s versatile and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (use tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and apple cider vinegar until well combined. This simple sauce will coat the chicken and infuse it with rich flavor.
  2. Season and marinate the chicken thighs: Pat the chicken thighs dry, then sprinkle with black pepper and red pepper flakes if using. Place the thighs in a shallow dish or resealable bag, pour the marinade over them, and let sit for at least 15 minutes to soak up the flavors.
  3. Sear the chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden and crisp. Flip and cook the other side briefly for about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Simmer in the sauce: Pour the remaining marinade into the skillet, lower the heat to medium-low, and let the chicken cook through as the sauce thickens, about 10-12 minutes. This step ensures the chicken soaks in all the sticky, delicious sauce.
  5. Finish and serve: Once the sauce has thickened and the chicken is tender, remove from heat. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme if desired, and serve warm with your favorite sides.

Notes

  • Dry the chicken skin well before searing to ensure maximum crispiness.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to get an even sear.
  • Using a heavy skillet like cast iron or stainless steel enhances crust development.
  • Adjust the amount of honey depending on your desired sweetness.
  • Allow the chicken to rest a few minutes after cooking to lock in the juices.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey garlic chicken, chicken thighs, easy dinner, quick recipe, weeknight meal, gluten free chicken