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Cozy Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs: Easy Dinner Recipe

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These sticky honey garlic chicken thighs are a quick and easy weeknight dinner that delivers tender, juicy chicken with a glossy, sweet-savory sauce. Perfect for cozy nights, this recipe uses simple ingredients and comes together in under 35 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds total)
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/3 cup honey (pure, mild wildflower or any liquid honey)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. Let them sit on a plate while you prepare the other ingredients.
  2. Season the chicken evenly on both sides with salt and pepper.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.
  4. Heat a large skillet (12-inch, preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
  5. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet. Cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until the skin is deep golden brown and releases easily from the pan.
  6. Flip the chicken using tongs and cook for another 4-5 minutes.
  7. Pour the honey garlic mixture into the skillet around the chicken (not directly on the skin). Let it bubble and reduce for about 2 minutes.
  8. Tilt the pan slightly and baste the chicken with the sauce using a spoon for 2-3 minutes.
  9. Add the butter to the sauce and swirl the pan until melted and glossy.
  10. Check for doneness: internal temperature should reach 165°F, or juices run clear when cut into the thickest part.
  11. Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

Pat the chicken dry for crispy skin. Don’t add honey too early to prevent burning. Let chicken come to room temperature before cooking for even cooking. Use a splatter screen to avoid sticky mess. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: sticky honey garlic chicken, honey garlic chicken thighs, easy chicken dinner, weeknight chicken recipe, comfort food chicken

Find it online: https://lenatable.com/cozy-sticky-honey-garlic-chicken-thighs-easy-dinner-recipe/