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Crispy Honey Sesame Chicken Thighs

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A quick and easy recipe for crispy chicken thighs with a sticky honey sesame glaze that is perfectly balanced with sweet, salty, and toasted sesame flavors. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds)
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • Thinly sliced green onions for garnish
  • Salt and pepper to season
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil (like canola) for cooking

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture (about 5 minutes).
  2. Season both sides of the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. Lightly dust the skin side with cornstarch.
  3. Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of neutral oil. Let it get hot but not smoking (about 3 minutes).
  4. Place chicken thighs skin side down in the skillet. Press lightly with tongs to ensure even contact. Cook undisturbed for 7-9 minutes until skin is golden and crispy.
  5. Flip the thighs and cook the other side for 5-6 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove thighs and set aside on a plate.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and rice vinegar.
  7. Pour the glaze mixture into the now-empty skillet and simmer over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened and syrupy.
  8. Return chicken thighs skin side up to the skillet. Spoon the glaze over each piece, turning once to coat both sides. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to let flavors meld and glaze stick.
  9. Remove from heat. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the thighs.
  10. Serve immediately with steamed rice or sautéed greens.

Notes

Pat chicken dry thoroughly for crispy skin. Dust skin with cornstarch to enhance crispiness. Cook skin side down undisturbed to form a crust. If glaze thickens too much, stir in a teaspoon of water to loosen. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if needed. For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. For a spicy kick, add chili flakes or chili garlic sauce to the glaze.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken thighs, honey sesame chicken, sticky glaze chicken, quick dinner, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, honey chicken thighs

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/crispy-honey-sesame-chicken-thighs-recipe-easy-sticky-glaze-dinner/