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Easy One-Pan Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs (Best 30-Minute Dinner)

easy one-pan honey garlic chicken thighs - featured image

This easy one-pan honey garlic chicken thighs recipe delivers crispy skin and a sticky sweet-savory glaze in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, it uses simple ingredients and minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 46 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds)
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 45 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 12 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional garnishes: sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, fresh cilantro or parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Position the rack in the middle of the oven.
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
  3. Season the chicken generously with salt and black pepper on both sides.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Set aside.
  5. Heat your oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1-2 tablespoons of oil and swirl to coat the bottom.
  6. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet. Do not crowd the pan. Cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until deep golden brown and crispy.
  7. Flip the chicken thighs using tongs. Cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side.
  8. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken thighs. Tilt the pan slightly to distribute the sauce evenly. Let it bubble for about 30 seconds, spooning some of the sauce over the tops of the thighs.
  9. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 175-180°F and the sauce is bubbling and reduced to a thick, sticky glaze.
  10. Remove the skillet from the oven carefully. Let the chicken rest in the pan for 5 minutes. Spoon some of the pan sauce over the thighs before serving.
  11. Garnish with sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Dry the chicken thoroughly for crispy skin. Don’t move the chicken while searing. Check the sauce in the oven to prevent burning. Use an instant-read thermometer for best results. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey garlic chicken, one-pan chicken, easy chicken dinner, 30-minute meal, chicken thighs, weeknight dinner