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

one pan honey garlic chicken thighs - featured image

This Easy One Pan Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe is a quick and forgiving weeknight dinner. The honey garlic glaze caramelizes perfectly without burning, the chicken stays juicy, and the whole thing comes together in 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds)
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for finishing)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thicker glaze)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2–3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon avocado or vegetable oil (for searing)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible.
  2. Season both sides of the chicken generously with salt and pepper.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, chicken broth, and rice vinegar. Set aside.
  4. Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil. Wait until the oil shimmers, about 2 minutes.
  5. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet. Cook without moving them for 5-6 minutes, until the skin is deep golden brown and crispy.
  6. Flip the chicken using tongs and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the second side.
  7. Carefully pour the honey garlic mixture around the chicken (not directly over the skin). The sauce will bubble immediately.
  8. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 10 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  9. Remove the lid and let the sauce bubble for 2-3 more minutes, spooning it over the chicken as it thickens. If desired, stir in the cornstarch slurry for a thicker glaze.
  10. Remove from heat and let the chicken rest in the pan for 5 minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

For extra crispy skin, pat the chicken very dry and let it sit uncovered in the fridge for 10 minutes before cooking. Do not crowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. If the sauce starts to burn, add a splash of broth immediately. For a gluten-free version, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

Nutrition

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