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Crispy Honey Garlic Baked Chicken Thighs: Easy 30-Minute Recipe

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Crispy, sticky, and savory-sweet honey garlic baked chicken thighs ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe delivers shatteringly crispy skin without deep frying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6–8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2.5 lbs / 1.1 kg)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (5 g)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground (1 g)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder (1.5 g)
  • ¼ cup honey (85 g)
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (45 ml)
  • 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (15 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (5 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (3 g)
  • 1 tablespoon cold water (for slurry)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted (9 g, optional for garnish)
  • 2–3 green onions, sliced (optional for garnish)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Take chicken thighs out of fridge 15 minutes before starting. Pat each thigh dry with paper towels (use 3-4 towels). Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Let sit at room temperature.
  2. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a wire rack inside a rimmed baking sheet. If no rack, line sheet with foil.
  3. In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Whisk and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cook 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened and fragrant.
  4. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water until smooth. Pour slurry into simmering glaze while whisking constantly. Cook 30 seconds, then remove from heat. Set aside to cool slightly.
  5. Place seasoned chicken thighs in a mixing bowl. Pour about two-thirds of the glaze over them. Toss to coat evenly. Arrange glazed thighs on the wire rack, skin side up, leaving at least 1 inch between pieces.
  6. Bake on middle rack for 15 minutes without opening the oven door. After 15 minutes, brush each thigh with reserved glaze. Return to oven and bake 5-10 more minutes until skin is deep golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. Let chicken rest on rack for 5 minutes before serving. Transfer to platter, spoon any remaining glaze from pan over top, and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pat chicken thighs very dry for crispiest skin. Use a wire rack to allow air circulation. Watch glaze carefully to prevent burning. Let chicken rest 5 minutes before serving. Double the glaze if you like extra sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey garlic chicken, baked chicken thighs, crispy chicken, 30-minute dinner, weeknight dinner, chicken recipe, easy dinner

Find it online: https://cookyep.com/crispy-honey-garlic-baked-chicken-thighs-easy-30-minute-recipe/