Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Thighs
Ingredients:
- 6-8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (you can use boneless if you prefer)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Honey Garlic Glaze:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional, for a little tang)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening the glaze)
Instructions:
1. Prep the Chicken Thighs:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
- Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the Chicken:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet (like a cast-iron skillet) over medium-high heat.
- Once the pan is hot, add the chicken thighs, skin-side down. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the skin is golden and crispy.
- Flip the chicken over and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
3. Bake the Chicken:
- Roast the chicken thighs in the oven for 20-25 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear.
4. Make the Honey Garlic Glaze:
- While the chicken is baking, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of cold water and stir it into the sauce. Let it simmer for another minute to thicken.
5. Glaze the Chicken:
- When the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and brush the honey garlic glaze generously over the chicken thighs.
- Return the chicken to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to allow the glaze to caramelize.
6. Serve:
- Once the chicken thighs are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Serve the glazed chicken with your favorite sides like rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. You can drizzle any leftover glaze over the chicken or serve it on the side.
Enjoy your sweet and savory Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Thighs!