Quick Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe 15-Minute Easy Dinner
This quick and easy recipe delivers crispy, golden chicken thighs glazed in a sticky, sweet, and savory honey garlic sauce, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner in just 15 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Pat 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Place a large cast iron or heavy nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot pan, pressing down lightly to ensure contact. Cook without moving for 6-7 minutes until the skin is deeply golden and crispy. Flip the thighs carefully using tongs.
- While the chicken cooks on the second side, in a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.
- Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Reduce heat to medium-low. Spoon the sauce over the chicken repeatedly as it simmers and thickens for about 3-4 minutes until glossy and clinging to the chicken. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If the sauce thickens too fast but the chicken needs more time, lower the heat and cover loosely for a minute or two.
- Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for 2 minutes in the pan. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or sliced green onions on top for garnish.
Notes
Pat chicken dry for crispy skin. Use medium-high heat to avoid burning honey. Spoon sauce repeatedly over chicken to glaze without soaking skin. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Do not overcrowd pan; cook in batches if needed. Let chicken rest before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 7
- Fat: 20
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Protein: 28
Keywords: honey garlic chicken, crispy chicken thighs, quick dinner, easy chicken recipe, weeknight meal, sticky chicken, honey garlic sauce