Print

Crispy Honey Garlic Grilled Chicken Thighs Easy Sticky Glaze Recipe

honey garlic grilled chicken thighs - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for crispy chicken thighs with a sticky, sweet-savory honey garlic glaze, perfect for last-minute gatherings and outdoor grilling.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds / 900 grams)
  • 1/4 cup honey (85 grams)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce (45 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar (15 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
  • Juice of 1 small lemon (optional)
  • Freshly cracked ground black pepper, to taste
  • Salt (kosher or sea salt), to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Let rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.
  3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, about 375°F (190°C). If using a grill pan, warm it over medium heat.
  4. Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 5-7 minutes without moving to get golden, crispy skin. Flip and sear the other side for 3 minutes.
  5. Transfer the seared chicken thighs skin-side up to the grill grates. Cook for 10-12 minutes, basting every 3-4 minutes generously with the honey garlic glaze. Watch for flare-ups and move chicken if needed.
  6. Check for doneness with a meat thermometer; internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, cut into the thickest part to ensure juices run clear.
  7. Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices and let the glaze set.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before seasoning for crispy skin. Sear chicken skin-side down first to lock in juices and create a golden crust. Baste multiple times during grilling to build a thick sticky glaze. Watch for flare-ups due to honey’s sugar content and move chicken if needed. Let chicken rest after cooking to lock in juices and set glaze. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. If no grill available, finish cooking in a 400°F oven for 15 minutes after searing.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken thighs, honey garlic chicken, crispy chicken, sticky glaze, barbecue chicken, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, outdoor grilling