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### **Instructions for Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs**
#### **Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**
1. **Season the chicken**: Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up during cooking. Season both sides of the chicken generously with **salt** and **pepper**.
2. **Preheat the pan**: Heat **olive oil** in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to get hot but not smoking before adding the chicken.
#### **Step 2: Sear the Chicken Thighs**
1. **Sear the chicken**: Place the chicken thighs, skin-side down, in the hot skillet. Sear the thighs for **5-7 minutes** without moving them, allowing the skin to become golden brown and crispy.
2. **Flip the chicken**: After the skin has crisped up, flip the chicken over and cook for another **5-7 minutes**, until the internal temperature reaches **165°F (75°C)** and the chicken is cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
#### **Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce**
1. **Prepare the sauce**: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the **minced garlic** to the pan and sauté for **1-2 minutes**, or until fragrant, but be careful not to burn it.
2. **Add the liquids**: Stir in the **honey**, **soy sauce**, **apple cider vinegar** (or lemon juice), and **Dijon mustard** (if using). Let the sauce simmer for about **3-5 minutes**, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and becomes syrupy.
3. **Optional heat**: For a little extra kick, you can add a pinch of **red pepper flakes** to the sauce during this step.
#### **Step 4: Coat the Chicken in Sauce**
1. **Return the chicken to the skillet**: Place the cooked chicken thighs back into the skillet with the sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and let it simmer for another **2-3 minutes**, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to coat the chicken.
2. **Glaze and simmer**: As the chicken simmers in the sauce, the honey will caramelize, creating a beautiful glossy glaze on the chicken. Make sure to turn the chicken a few times to ensure it is evenly coated.
#### **Step 5: Garnish and Serve**
1. **Garnish**: Once the chicken is fully coated and the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove the pan from heat. Garnish with **chopped fresh parsley** for a pop of color and freshness.
2. **Serve**: Serve the honey garlic chicken thighs hot with your favorite sides. They pair wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables. You can even drizzle any leftover sauce from the pan over the sides for added flavor.
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### **Tips for Perfect Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs**
– **Chicken skin-on, bone-in**: For maximum flavor and juiciness, use **bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs**. The skin helps retain moisture, and the bone adds extra richness to the dish.
– **Boneless skinless option**: If you prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs, simply adjust the cooking time. They cook faster, so be sure to keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
– **Cook in the oven**: You can also finish cooking the chicken thighs in the oven. After searing both sides, transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at **375°F (190°C)** for about **15-20 minutes** to finish cooking and allow the sauce to thicken.
– **Make it spicy**: For a spicy version, add a finely chopped **jalapeño** or **red pepper flakes** to the sauce.
– **Marinate ahead of time**: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the honey garlic sauce for 30 minutes to 1 hour before cooking. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken.
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### **Why You’ll Love This Recipe**
– **Flavorful**: The honey and garlic combination is the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy.
– **Easy to make**: It’s a one-pan dish that’s quick enough for a busy weeknight yet impressive enough for a dinner party.
– **Versatile**: Serve it with a variety of sides to suit your taste. It works well with everything from simple steamed vegetables to creamy mashed potatoes.
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### **Conclusion**
These **Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs** are a must-try for anyone who loves delicious, flavorful chicken. The combination of sweet honey, savory garlic, and tangy soy sauce creates an irresistible glaze that takes this dish to the next level. It’s simple to make, quick to prepare, and perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. So, next time you’re craving something both easy and impressive, give this recipe a try—you’ll be glad you did!
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