1. Preheat and Prep:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Brown the Chicken:
- In a large oven-proof skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and sear until the skin is golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Flip the thighs and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce:
- Reduce the heat to medium. In the same pan, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
- Add the honey, soy sauce, water (or chicken broth), vinegar, and dried herbs (if using). Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
4. Bake:
- Return the chicken thighs to the pan, skin-side up, and spoon some of the sauce over the top of each thigh.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Final Touch:
- If the sauce is too thin after baking, you can remove the chicken and place the skillet over the stove on medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and simmer the sauce until it thickens to your liking.
6. Serve:
- Spoon the sauce over the chicken thighs before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley and sesame seeds if desired.
Tips:
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the honey garlic chicken thighs with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple vegetable side to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Skin-On vs. Skinless: Using skin-on chicken thighs helps to keep the meat moist and adds flavor. However, you can use skinless thighs if you prefer; just be mindful that the cooking times may vary slightly.
- Adjusting Sweetness: You can adjust the sweetness of the dish by using more or less honey based on your preference.
This Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe is a perfect blend of flavors that will please any palate, offering a comforting and satisfying meal with minimal effort.