Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs – Page 2

Instructions for Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken: Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up during cooking. Season both sides of the chicken generously with salt and pepper.
Preheat the pan: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to get hot but not smoking before adding the chicken.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken Thighs

Sear the chicken: Place the chicken thighs, skin-side down, in the hot skillet. Sear the thighs for 5-7 minutes without moving them, allowing the skin to become golden brown and crispy.
Flip the chicken: After the skin has crisped up, flip the chicken over and cook for another 5-7 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant, but be careful not to burn it.
Add the liquids: Stir in the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), and Dijon mustard (if using). Let the sauce simmer for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and becomes syrupy.
Optional heat: For a little extra kick, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce during this step.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken in Sauce

Return the chicken to the skillet: Place the cooked chicken thighs back into the skillet with the sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to coat the chicken.
Glaze and simmer: As the chicken simmers in the sauce, the honey will caramelize, creating a beautiful glossy glaze on the chicken. Make sure to turn the chicken a few times to ensure it is evenly coated.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Garnish: Once the chicken is fully coated and the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove the pan from heat. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve: Serve the honey garlic chicken thighs hot with your favorite sides. They pair wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables. You can even drizzle any leftover sauce from the pan over the sides for added flavor.

Tips for Perfect Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Chicken skin-on, bone-in: For maximum flavor and juiciness, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. The skin helps retain moisture, and the bone adds extra richness to the dish.
Boneless skinless option: If you prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs, simply adjust the cooking time. They cook faster, so be sure to keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
Cook in the oven: You can also finish cooking the chicken thighs in the oven. After searing both sides, transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes to finish cooking and allow the sauce to thicken.
Make it spicy: For a spicy version, add a finely chopped jalapeño or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Marinate ahead of time: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the honey garlic sauce for 30 minutes to 1 hour before cooking. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful: The honey and garlic combination is the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy.
Easy to make: It’s a one-pan dish that’s quick enough for a busy weeknight yet impressive enough for a dinner party.
Versatile: Serve it with a variety of sides to suit your taste. It works well with everything from simple steamed vegetables to creamy mashed potatoes.

Conclusion

These Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs are a must-try for anyone who loves delicious, flavorful chicken. The combination of sweet honey, savory garlic, and tangy soy sauce creates an irresistible glaze that takes this dish to the next level. It’s simple to make, quick to prepare, and perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. So, next time you’re craving something both easy and impressive, give this recipe a try—you’ll be glad you did!

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