Skillet Honey Garlic Baked Chicken Thighs

There’s something undeniably comforting about a dish that fills your kitchen with the rich aroma of garlic, honey, and perfectly seared chicken. This Skillet Honey Garlic Baked Chicken Thighs recipe is one of those meals that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness, all wrapped around juicy, tender chicken thighs.

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Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or looking for an easy dish to impress guests, this recipe is a surefire winner. It combines the ease of stovetop searing with the deep, caramelized flavors of oven baking, giving you crispy, golden-brown chicken with a sticky honey-garlic glaze. Plus, it’s made in just one pan, which means less cleanup—always a bonus!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy – Simple ingredients, minimal prep, and a straightforward cooking method.
• One-Pan Wonder – Less mess, more flavor! Everything comes together in a single skillet.
• Incredible Flavor – The combination of honey, garlic, and soy sauce creates a deliciously sticky glaze.
• Juicy & Tender Chicken – Baking after searing locks in moisture, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
• Great for Meal Prep – Leftovers store beautifully, making it perfect for lunches or quick dinners.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ⅓ cup honey
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)
• Chopped fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
• Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

How to Make Skillet Honey Garlic Baked Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that once your chicken is seared, the oven is ready to lock in all the juicy flavors.

Step 2: Season & Sear the Chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This helps them sear properly. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet (such as a cast iron pan) over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 5-7 minutes, until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip and sear the other side for another 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Stir in the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. If you prefer a thicker glaze, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and stir it into the sauce.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken thighs, then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Halfway through baking, spoon some of the sauce over the chicken to keep it juicy and flavorful.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep the juices inside.

Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions and sprinkle with sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and texture.

Serve hot with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. Enjoy!

Helpful Tips

• Crispy Skin Trick – Pat the chicken thighs dry before searing to get that golden, crispy crust.
• Don’t Skip the Searing – This locks in flavor and creates the perfect base for the glaze.
• Adjust the Sweetness – If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the honey slightly.
• Spice It Up – Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for extra heat.
• Bone-In vs. Boneless – Bone-in thighs are juicier, but you can use boneless ones and reduce the cooking time by 5-7 minutes.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4-6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Skillet & Oven-Baked
• Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
• Diet: Gluten-Free Option Available

Notes

• If you’re using a non-cast iron skillet, make sure it’s oven-safe. Otherwise, transfer everything to a baking dish before placing it in the oven.
• Leftover sauce? Drizzle it over rice or steamed vegetables for an extra burst of flavor.
• Want a complete meal? Serve with jasmine rice and sautéed green beans or broccoli.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 26g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Sodium: 580mg
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugar: 14g

(Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but they may not be as juicy. Reduce the baking time to 18-22 minutes, depending on thickness.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes! Let the chicken cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What’s the best way to reheat?

Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals until warm.

Related Recipes

If you loved this recipe, try these other delicious dishes:

• Honey Chipotle Chicken Rice Bowls

• Crispy Baked Orange Chicken – A Healthier Take on a Takeout Classic

Conclusion

This Skillet Honey Garlic Baked Chicken Thighs recipe is everything you want in a home-cooked meal—easy, flavorful, and satisfying. With a golden, crispy exterior and a sticky-sweet garlic glaze, this dish will quickly become a family favorite.

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