Ingredients:

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 680g / 1.5 lbs)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (3g)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (1g)
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (1g)
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (1g)
  • 1/4 cup honey (85g / 3 oz)
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (45 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (30 ml)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced (about 1 teaspoon)
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (7g)
  • 2 tablespoons water (30 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil (15 ml)
  • Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
  • Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet. Sear for 8-10 minutes, or until the skin is deeply golden brown and crispy. Don't move them around too much; let them develop a good crust.
  3. Flip the chicken thighs and cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
  4. While the chicken is cooking, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, minced ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a small bowl. In another small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water until smooth.
  5. Remove the cooked chicken thighs from the skillet and set aside. Drain off any excess grease from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Pour the honey-garlic mixture into the skillet and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  6. Whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Cook, stirring constantly, until the glaze thickens to a syrupy consistency, about 1-2 minutes.
  7. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the honey-garlic glaze. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, turning the chicken occasionally, until the glaze is sticky and glossy. Stir in sesame oil.
  8. Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions (if desired). Serve immediately.