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Crispy Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs Recipe Easy One-Pan Dinner

crispy honey garlic butter chicken thighs - featured image

A quick and easy one-pan dinner featuring crispy chicken thighs glazed with a luscious honey garlic butter sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 46 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Optional: almond flour for dredging (gluten-free option)
  • Optional: coconut oil instead of butter for dairy-free version
  • Optional: maple syrup instead of honey for dairy-free version

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. (About 5 minutes)
  2. Preheat your skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and let it warm until shimmering but not smoking. (2-3 minutes)
  3. Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Press them gently to ensure full contact with the pan. Cook undisturbed for about 8-10 minutes until the skin is deeply golden and crispy.
  4. Flip the chicken thighs and cook for an additional 6-7 minutes until cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F (74°C) internal temperature if unsure.
  5. Remove chicken from the pan and transfer to a plate. Tent loosely with foil to keep warm.
  6. Lower heat to medium-low. Add butter, garlic, honey, and lemon juice to the pan. Stir gently to combine, letting the butter melt and the honey bubble. Watch closely to prevent burning. (About 2-3 minutes)
  7. Add fresh thyme or rosemary and stir into the sauce.
  8. Return chicken to the pan. Spoon the honey garlic butter sauce over the thighs, coating them well. Let them simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to soak up flavors.
  9. Final check to ensure chicken is cooked through and sauce is glossy. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Notes

Dry the chicken well before cooking to ensure crispy skin. Use a mix of butter and olive oil to prevent burning. Keep heat medium-low when adding honey and butter to avoid burning the sauce. Rest chicken tented with foil to keep warm and juicy. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it. For extra crispiness, finish in a 400°F oven for 10 minutes after stovetop cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey garlic chicken, crispy chicken thighs, one-pan dinner, easy chicken recipe, honey butter chicken, garlic butter chicken, quick dinner, comfort food