Save to Pinterest The kitchen filled with this incredible aroma when I first made this glaze. It was a rainy Tuesday, I was tired, and this honey garlic chicken turned an ordinary evening into something special.
My sister in law actually asked for the recipe before she even finished her plate. That glaze gets all over your fingers and you honestly do not care one bit.
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs: Bone in and skin on gives you that perfect crispy texture and keeps the meat juicy.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning lets the glaze shine while building a foundation of flavor.
- Honey: Creates that beautiful sticky finish and caramelizes beautifully under high heat.
- Soy sauce: Low sodium works best here so you can control the salt level yourself.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic mellows nicely while cooking and infuses the entire dish.
- Rice vinegar: Adds just enough acid to cut through the honey and soy sweetness.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Even a tiny amount gives you a subtle warmth that keeps things interesting.
- Fresh parsley or green onions: The bright green pop makes this look like it came from a restaurant kitchen.
Instructions
- Get your oven ready:
- Preheat to 400°F so the chicken starts sizzling the second it hits the heat.
- Prep the chicken:
- Pat those thighs completely dry with paper towels then season generously on both sides.
- Sear for flavor:
- Heat olive oil in a large oven safe skillet until shimmering and place chicken skin side down for 3 to 4 minutes until golden.
- Build the glaze:
- In that same pan sauté garlic for 30 seconds then stir in honey soy sauce vinegar water and red pepper flakes until bubbling.
- Combine and bake:
- Return chicken to the skillet skin side up spoon glaze over everything and bake for 18 to 22 minutes while basting halfway.
- Rest and garnish:
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes so the juices redistribute then scatter with parsley and sesame seeds before serving.
Save to Pinterest My youngest daughter who normally complains about sticky foods licked her fingers clean after eating this. The way the glaze coats the chicken is just magical.
Getting That Perfect Crisp
I learned the hard way that crowded pans create steam instead of crisp skin. Work in batches if your skillet is small because each piece needs space to sear properly.
Making It Your Own
Sometimes I add fresh ginger alongside the garlic for extra warmth. A splash of orange juice in the glaze creates this lovely bright note that cuts through the richness.
Serving Ideas That Work
Steamed jasmine rice soaks up every drop of that incredible sauce. Roasted broccoli or snap peas add the perfect fresh crunch to balance the sticky sweet chicken.
- Cauliflower rice works beautifully if you are watching carbs.
- Cucumber slices with a sprinkle of salt help cleanse the palate between bites.
- Leftovers reheat surprisingly well in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.
Save to Pinterest This recipe has saved so many weeknight dinners when I thought I was too tired to cook anything worth eating.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I get the skin extra crispy?
Sear the chicken skin-side down in a hot skillet for 3-4 minutes before baking. For additional crispiness, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking time.
- → Can I use boneless chicken pieces?
Yes, boneless thighs or breasts work well. Reduce baking time by 5-7 minutes since they cook faster than bone-in pieces.
- → What can I serve with this dish?
Steamed white or brown rice pairs perfectly to soak up the extra glaze. Stir-fried vegetables, roasted broccoli, or Asian cucumber salad make great sides.
- → Is this dish gluten-free?
Substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or certified gluten-free soy sauce to make it completely gluten-free while maintaining the same flavor profile.
- → Can I make this spicy?
Add the crushed red pepper flakes as listed, or increase to 1 teaspoon for more heat. A drizzle of sriracha or chili garlic sauce also works wonderfully in the glaze.
- → How long does it keep in the refrigerator?
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispy skin.