Description
Juicy pan-seared chicken thighs coated in a rich honey garlic glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the skillet. This sweet and savory dish is perfect for an easy yet impressive weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker sauce)
1 tablespoon water (if using cornstarch)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear for 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- If using cornstarch, mix it with water in a small bowl and stir into the sauce. Simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add butter and stir until melted and the sauce becomes glossy.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until the glaze coats the chicken.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with extra sauce drizzled on top.
Notes
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
Squeeze fresh lemon juice at the end for a bright citrus twist.
Sprinkle sesame seeds or add a splash of sesame oil for extra depth of flavor.
Chicken breasts can be substituted; adjust cooking time to prevent drying.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or in the microwave in short intervals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
