Baked & Roasted
Honey Garlic Baked Chicken Thighs
These honey garlic baked chicken thighs turn five pantry staples into a glossy, caramelized dinner with almost no hands-on work. Bone-in, skin-on thighs stay juicy in the oven while the honey garlic glaze reduces into a sticky coating you'll want to spoon over rice. It's the kind of easy chicken thigh recipe that goes into regular weeknight rotation because it takes ten minutes to prep and cleans up in a single pan.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Just 8 ingredients, most already in your pantry
- One sheet pan, minimal cleanup
- Crispy skin with a sticky-sweet glaze
- Ready in under 45 minutes start to finish
Ingredients
Full ingredient list below — check off items as you shop or cook.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the thighs skin-side down for 5 minutes until deeply golden, then flip and sear 2 minutes on the other side. Transfer to a plate.
- Whisk together the honey, soy sauce, garlic, rice vinegar and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
- Pour off excess fat from the skillet, then return the thighs skin-side up. Pour the honey garlic sauce around (not over) the thighs to keep the skin crisp.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 25-28 minutes, basting once halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce has thickened.
- Rest for 5 minutes, then spoon the pan sauce over the top. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Tips for success
- Searing skin-side down first is what gives you crackly, restaurant-style skin — don't skip it.
- No oven-safe skillet? Sear in a regular pan, then transfer everything to a foil-lined baking sheet.
- Swap thighs for bone-in chicken drumsticks; just add 5 extra minutes of bake time.
- Leftover sauce is fantastic tossed with steamed broccoli or spooned over jasmine rice.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?
Yes. Boneless thighs cook faster, so start checking for doneness around 18-20 minutes in the oven instead of 25-28.
Why is my glaze not thickening?
The sauce needs the sugars in the honey to reduce; if it's thin after baking, simmer it on the stovetop for 2-3 minutes before spooning over the chicken.
What sides go with honey garlic chicken thighs?
Steamed jasmine rice, garlic green beans, or a simple cucumber salad all balance the sweetness of the glaze nicely.
Can I make this recipe ahead?
You can mix the sauce up to 3 days ahead and store it in the fridge; sear and bake the chicken fresh for the best texture.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Calories | 392 |
| Protein | 29g |
| Carbs | 18g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Sodium | 640mg |
| Sugar | 17g |
Nutrition values are estimates and will vary based on exact ingredients and brands used.
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