Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

🕒 Time

• Prep: 10 minutes

• Cook: 30–35 minutes

• Total: ~40–45 minutes

🍽 Serves

4 people

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🛒 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

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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)

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🔥 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.

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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).

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3️⃣ Make the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together:

• Honey

• Soy sauce

• Garlic

• Ginger

• Vinegar

• Ketchup

• Sesame oil

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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).

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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.

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✨ Optional Garnish

• Sesame seeds

• Chopped green onions

• Red chili flakes

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🍚 Serving Suggestions

• Steamed white or jasmine rice

• Garlic butter rice

• Mashed potatoes

• Stir-fried vegetables

• Noodles

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🔥 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

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🥢 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.