Juicy chicken thighs with crispy, golden skin coated in a sweet, sticky honey garlic sauce.
Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 30–35 minutes Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the chicken
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6 chicken thighs (skin-on or boneless)
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 tablespoon cooking oil
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1 tablespoon cornflour (optional, for extra crispiness)
For the honey garlic sauce
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⅓ cup honey
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4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
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2 tablespoons soy sauce
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1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar
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2 tablespoons butter
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2 tablespoons water
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1 teaspoon cornflour mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional)
Instructions
1. Season the chicken
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Dust lightly with cornflour if desired.
2. Fry until crispy
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken skin-side down and cook for 8–12 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip and cook for another 8–12 minutes, or until cooked through. Adjust the cooking time for boneless thighs.
3. Make the honey garlic sauce
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Melt butter in a small pan over medium-low heat.
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Add chopped garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
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Stir in honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, and water.
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Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
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For a thicker sauce, add the cornflour slurry and stir until glossy.
4. Coat the chicken
Pour or brush the sauce over the cooked chicken. Let it simmer gently for 1–2 minutes to coat the meat. Avoid cooking the honey sauce too long, as it can burn.
5. Serve
Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped spring onions if desired. Serve hot with rice, mashed potatoes, or vegetables.
Tips for the crispiest chicken
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Dry the chicken thoroughly before seasoning.
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Do not overcrowd the pan.
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Keep the heat at medium so the skin crisps without burning.
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Add the honey sauce near the end to preserve the crispy texture.
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Make sure the thickest part of the chicken reaches 74°C (165°F) for food safety.
Enjoy your crispy, sticky, sweet-and-savory honey garlic chicken!
