Pin It Experience the perfect balance of sweet and savory with this Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken. Tender chicken thighs are pan-seared and then oven-baked in a rich, glossy glaze made from honey, minced garlic, and soy sauce. The result is a beautifully caramelized dish that brings an Asian-inspired flair to your dinner table in just 35 minutes.
Pin It This recipe transforms humble chicken thighs into a gourmet experience. By searing the skin first, you lock in the juices while creating a golden base for the sticky glaze to cling to during the baking process.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Glaze: 1/3 cup honey, 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred), 4 cloves garlic, minced, 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp water, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Garnish: 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or green onions, 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Step 2
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Step 3
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs skin side down and sear for 3–4 minutes, until golden brown. Flip and cook another 2 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Step 4
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in honey, soy sauce, vinegar, water, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer.
- Step 5
- Return chicken thighs to the skillet, skin side up. Spoon glaze over the chicken.
- Step 6
- Transfer skillet to the oven. Bake for 18–22 minutes, basting chicken with glaze halfway through, until chicken is cooked through and skin is caramelized.
- Step 7
- Remove from oven. Let rest 5 minutes.
- Step 8
- Garnish with parsley or green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For extra-crispy skin, broil the chicken for 2–3 minutes at the end of the baking time. Keep a close eye on it to ensure the honey in the glaze doesn't burn.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can substitute bone-in thighs with boneless thighs or chicken breasts; just remember to reduce the baking time by 5–7 minutes. For a gluten-free version, simply replace the soy sauce with tamari or certified gluten-free soy sauce.
Serviervorschläge
Pair this flavorful chicken with a side of steamed white rice and stir-fried vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for a complete and balanced Asian-inspired meal.
Pin It Whether you are cooking for family or hosting friends, this Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken is a reliable crowd-pleaser that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. Enjoy the sticky, sweet, and savory goodness!
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use boneless chicken instead of bone-in thighs?
Yes, boneless thighs or breasts work well. Reduce the baking time by 5–7 minutes to prevent overcooking, as they cook faster than bone-in cuts.
- → How do I get extra-crispy skin?
After the baking time is complete, broil the chicken for 2–3 minutes at the end. Watch closely to prevent burning while the skin crisps up beautifully.
- → Is this gluten-free?
Standard soy sauce contains gluten. Substitute with tamari or certified gluten-free soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free while maintaining the same savory depth.
- → What should I serve with this chicken?
Pair with steamed jasmine or white rice to soak up the glaze, and add stir-fried vegetables like bok choy, broccoli, or snap peas for a balanced meal.
- → Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, combine the honey, soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, and water in advance. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, then proceed with searing and baking.
- → What's the best way to baste the chicken?
Halfway through baking, use a spoon or basting brush to coat the chicken with glaze from the bottom of the skillet. This ensures even caramelization and maximum flavor throughout the meat.