Save Experience the perfect fusion of sweet and savory with this Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken. This dish features tender chicken thighs coated in a rich, sticky sauce that caramelizes beautifully in the oven, offering a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.
Save The secret to this recipe's success is the two-step cooking method. Searing the chicken first locks in the moisture and creates a golden exterior, while finishing it in the oven allows the garlic-infused glaze to thicken into a savory coating that clings to every bite.
Ingredients
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 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)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or green onions
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preparation
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Step 2: Searing
- 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 3: Make the Glaze
- 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 4: Baking
- Return chicken thighs to the skillet, skin side up. Spoon glaze over the chicken. 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 5: Garnish and Serve
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley or green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For an extra-crispy finish, you can broil the chicken for the last 2–3 minutes of baking. Just keep a close eye on it to prevent the honey in the glaze from burning.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This recipe works well with boneless thighs or breasts; simply reduce the baking time by 5–7 minutes to avoid overcooking. To make the dish gluten-free, use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this sticky chicken over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or quinoa to catch all the delicious glaze. A side of stir-fried broccoli or snap peas adds a fresh, crunchy contrast to the rich flavors.
Save Whether you're cooking for family or hosting friends, this Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken is a foolproof way to deliver bold, Asian-inspired flavors with minimal effort and maximum impact.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, boneless or bone-in breasts work well. Reduce the baking time by 5–7 minutes since they cook faster than thighs. Bone-in breasts will have better flavor and texture.
- → How do I get extra-crispy skin?
After baking, broil the chicken for 2–3 minutes at the end. Watch carefully to prevent burning. This creates an incredibly crispy, caramelized exterior.
- → Is this dish gluten-free?
Regular soy sauce contains gluten. Substitute with tamari or certified gluten-free soy sauce to make this dish completely gluten-free.
- → What should I serve with this chicken?
Steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables make ideal accompaniments. The glazed chicken also pairs well with steamed broccoli, bok choy, or jasmine rice.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Marinate the seasoned chicken in the glaze mixture for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator before searing and baking. This enhances flavor development.
- → Why is my skin not crispy?
Ensure chicken is patted completely dry before searing and that the oven is fully preheated to 400°F. Sear skin-side down for 3–4 minutes until golden before flipping.