Description
Juicy chicken thighs with perfectly crispy skin are coated in a sticky honey garlic glaze for an easy, flavorful dinner. This skillet chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, and meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs – The skin crisps beautifully while the bone helps keep the meat juicy and flavorful.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – Helps the chicken sear evenly and prevents sticking.
- 1 teaspoon paprika – Adds warm flavor and a beautiful golden color.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds savory garlic flavor to the chicken.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder – Provides additional savory depth.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the natural flavor of the chicken.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper – Adds mild peppery heat.
For the Honey Garlic Sauce
- ⅓ cup honey – Creates the sweet, glossy glaze and helps caramelize the chicken.
- 5 garlic cloves, minced – Adds bold, aromatic garlic flavor.
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce – Adds savory umami flavor and balances the sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar – Adds brightness and balances the richness of the honey.
- 1 tablespoon chicken broth or water – Helps loosen the sauce to the right consistency.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil, optional – Adds a subtle nutty flavor.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional – Adds a gentle spicy kick.
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh chopped parsley
- Sliced green onions
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Red pepper flakes
- Fresh cilantro
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Whisk together honey, garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, broth, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet.
- Sear for 6–8 minutes without moving until the skin is golden brown and crisp.
- Flip the chicken and cook for another 4–5 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Pour the honey garlic sauce around and over the chicken.
- Simmer gently for 5–8 minutes, spooning the glaze over the chicken several times.
- Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Turn the chicken skin-side up and cook uncovered for another 1–2 minutes if needed to restore crispness.
- Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes.
- Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, parsley, cilantro, or red pepper flakes.
- Serve hot with rice, potatoes, vegetables, or salad.
Notes
- Pat chicken thighs completely dry before searing for crispier skin.
- Keep the honey garlic sauce at a gentle simmer to prevent burning.
- Store leftovers refrigerated for 3–4 days and reheat to 165°F (74°C).
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 servings
- Calories: 430 calories
