Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Thighs

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Honey Garlic Glaze:

• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
• 2 green onions (sliced, for garnish)

For Serving:

• Cooked white or brown rice
• Steamed or sautéed vegetables

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps to achieve a crispy skin.
   3. Season both sides of the chicken thighs with salt and black pepper.
   4. Heat the olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat.
   5. Add the chicken thighs, skin side down, and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 3 minutes on the other side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

2. Prepare the Glaze:

   1. In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
   2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
   3. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water until smooth. Add this slurry to the saucepan, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
   4. If using, stir in sesame oil for added flavor.

3. Bake the Chicken:

   1. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin side up.
   2. Pour the honey garlic glaze over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well coated.
   3. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is cooked through. The glaze should be bubbly and caramelized.

4. Serve:

   1. Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
   2. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired.
   3. Serve the Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Thighs over cooked rice and with your choice of vegetables.