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Crispy Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs Easy One-Pan Dinner Recipe

crispy honey garlic butter chicken thighs - featured image

This one-pan recipe features crispy chicken thighs with a sticky, sweet, and savory honey garlic butter glaze. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (1.5 to 2 pounds / 700-900g)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (60g), divided
  • 45 fresh garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use low sodium or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Salt, to taste
  • Optional garnish: chopped parsley or green onions

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons (30g) of butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. When melted and foamy, add the chicken thighs skin-side down. Press lightly to ensure even contact.
  4. Sear the chicken for 6-8 minutes without moving until the skin is deep golden brown and crispy.
  5. Flip the chicken and cook the other side for 3-4 minutes.
  6. Remove the pan from heat and drain any excess fat if needed. Wipe off any burnt bits but keep the fond.
  7. In a small bowl, mix minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and the remaining 2 tablespoons (30g) of butter until combined.
  8. Pour the honey garlic butter sauce evenly over the chicken thighs and baste each piece with a spoon.
  9. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce is bubbling and thickened.
  10. Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices and settle the sauce.
  11. Garnish with chopped parsley or sliced green onions if desired. Serve hot, spooning extra sauce over the chicken.

Notes

Dry chicken skin thoroughly before cooking for best crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even browning. If sauce is not thick enough after baking, reduce on stovetop for 1-2 minutes. Rest chicken after baking to keep it juicy. For dairy-free, substitute butter with coconut oil or plant-based margarine and use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken thighs, honey garlic chicken, crispy chicken, one-pan dinner, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, honey garlic butter sauce