Description
Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Dinner: Get ready to be obsessed! This sweet, savory, garlicky chicken is your new favorite simple weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- Chicken & Base:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Sticky Sauce Essentials:
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- Flavor Boosters:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 ½ tablespoons)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
- Garnish & Toppings:
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Prep Your Chicken, My Friend:: First things first, get those chicken thighs ready. Pat them really, really dry with paper towels. This is CRUCIAL for crispy skin, trust me! Then, season them generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. I always forget to season enough at this stage and then kick myself later. Imagine the sizzle when they hit the pan – that’s what we’re aiming for. Don’t rush this part; a well-seasoned chicken is a happy chicken.
- Sear for Golden Glory:: Heat a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron is my absolute favorite here!) over medium-high heat with a good splash of olive oil. Once shimmering, place the chicken thighs skin-side down. Let them sear undisturbed for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is beautifully golden brown and crispy. This is where the magic starts! I always peek too early, but resist the urge! You want that gorgeous crust. Flip them over and sear for another 2-3 minutes on the other side. You’ll smell that delicious chicken fat rendering, honestly, it’s heavenly.
- Whisk Up That Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Dinner Sauce:: While the chicken is searing, grab a medium bowl. Whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Give it a good whisk until everything is combined. This sauce is the star of our Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Dinner, so make sure those aromatics are evenly distributed. It smells so good even now, you might be tempted to taste it – go ahead, I won’t tell!
- Glaze and Simmer Away:: Once your chicken is seared, pour that glorious honey garlic sauce all over the chicken in the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes. You want the sauce to start thickening and coating the chicken. Spoon some of that glossy sauce over the chicken repeatedly; it helps infuse the flavor. I always find myself mesmerized by the bubbling sauce at this point!
- Finish in the Oven (or Stovetop):: If your skillet is oven-safe, pop it into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for another 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C) and the sauce is nice and sticky. If not, cover the skillet and continue simmering on the stovetop over low heat until cooked through, turning occasionally. I prefer the oven finish for even cooking and a truly sticky glaze, but honestly, both methods work for a fantastic Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Dinner.
- Rest, Garnish, and Devour!:: Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven or stovetop. Let the chicken rest in the pan for 5 minutes. This is crucial for juicy chicken, don’t skip it! Spoon any extra sauce over the chicken. Then, sprinkle generously with sesame seeds and fresh green onions. The aroma at this point is just… *chef’s kiss*! Serve your Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Dinner immediately and watch it disappear. It’s truly a sight to behold.