Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

🕒 Time

• Prep: 10 minutes

• Cook: 30–35 minutes

• Total: ~40–45 minutes

🍽 Serves

4 people

🛒 Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Honey Garlic Sauce

• ½ cup honey

• ⅓ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (optional but recommended)

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)

• 1 tablespoon ketchup

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)

🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Prep the Chicken

1. Pat chicken dry with paper towels (important for browning).

2. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.

2️⃣ Sear for Crispy Skin

1. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Place chicken skin-side down.

3. Sear for 5–7 minutes until golden and crispy.

4. Flip and cook 2 more minutes.

5. Remove excess grease from the pan (leave about 1 tablespoon).

3️⃣ Make the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together:

• Honey

• Soy sauce

• Garlic

• Ginger

• Vinegar

• Ketchup

• Sesame oil

4️⃣ Bake in Sauce

1. Pour sauce into the skillet around the chicken.

2. Transfer skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C).

3. Bake 20–25 minutes, basting once halfway through.

Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

5️⃣ Thicken the Sauce

1. Remove skillet from oven.

2. Place on stovetop over medium heat.

3. Stir cornstarch + water together.

4. Add to sauce and simmer 2–3 minutes until thick and glossy.

5. Spoon sauce generously over chicken.

✨ Optional Garnish

• Sesame seeds

• Chopped green onions

• Red chili flakes

🍚 Serving Suggestions

• Steamed white or jasmine rice

• Garlic butter rice

• Mashed potatoes

• Stir-fried vegetables

• Noodles

🔥 Extra Tips for Perfect Results

✔ Pat chicken dry before searing
✔ Don’t overcrowd the pan
✔ Use skin-on thighs for best flavor
✔ Broil 2–3 minutes at the end for extra caramelization

🥢 Variations

Spicy Version: Add 1–2 teaspoons sriracha or chili paste.
Boneless Version: Reduce baking time to 15–18 minutes.
Air Fryer Option: Cook at 380°F for 18–22 minutes, brush with sauce in last 5 minutes.