Some chicken thighs are just…meh. These? Perfectly crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a sticky, garlicky honey glaze that’s downright addictive. Think golden-brown skin, tender meat, and a sweet-savory sauce that will have you licking your plate clean.
Bonus: This recipe uses bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor, but you can easily swap for boneless if you prefer. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests—plus, the whole thing comes together in one skillet!
Ingredients
✔ Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (for extra crispiness)
✔ Salt & black pepper
✔ Paprika (adds a hint of smokiness)
✔ Olive oil
✔ Butter (because flavor is everything)
✔ Garlic (LOTS of it)
✔ Honey (for that sticky glaze)
✔ Soy sauce (adds umami depth)
✔ Apple cider vinegar (for a little tang)
✔ Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
✔ Green onions & sesame seeds (for garnish)
How to Make Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Step 1: Prep & Season
Pat the chicken thighs very dry with paper towels (crispy skin starts here!). Season generously with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a little olive oil. Place the chicken skin-side down and cook for about 6-7 minutes, without moving it—this helps the skin get ultra-crispy. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Glaze
In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, stir in honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Let it bubble for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Finish Cooking
Return the chicken to the skillet, skin-side up, and spoon some of the glaze over the top. Let it simmer for 5-7 more minutes until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temp: 165°F/75°C).
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds, then serve hot with your favorite sides.
Perfect Side Pairings
This crispy honey garlic chicken is full of bold flavors, so the right side dish can take it to the next level:
Rice & Grains
✔ Garlic Butter Rice – Soaks up that delicious glaze beautifully.
✔ Coconut Rice – Slightly sweet, creamy, and perfect with the sticky sauce.
✔ Quinoa or Brown Rice – A healthier option that still pairs well.
Veggies
✔ Roasted Broccoli – Crisp-tender and slightly charred for extra flavor.
✔ Garlic Green Beans – Fresh, garlicky, and so easy.
✔ Asian Cucumber Salad – Light, tangy, and refreshing.
Extras
✔ Sesame Noodles – A delicious, slightly nutty pairing.
✔ Crispy Roasted Potatoes – Because crispy chicken + crispy potatoes = magic.
✔ Steamed Bok Choy – A light and healthy contrast.