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garlic honey soy chicken thighs glazed and caramelized in a cast iron skillet with sesame seeds

Garlic Honey Soy Chicken Thighs

Sticky-sweet chicken thighs with bold garlic flavor and a glossy honey soy glaze that caramelizes beautifully.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs)
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce use reduced-sodium if preferred
  • 6 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 2 green onions sliced (for garnish)
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Step 2: Whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
  3. Step 3: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken skin-side down and cook 5-6 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
  4. Step 4: Flip chicken and cook 4 more minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  5. Step 5: Pour sauce over chicken, turning thighs to coat. Reduce heat to medium-low.
  6. Step 6: Simmer 10-12 minutes, basting occasionally, until sauce thickens and chicken reaches 165°F internally.
  7. Step 7: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

For extra crispy skin, don't move the chicken for the first 4 minutes of cooking. Serve over rice to soak up the delicious sauce!