Crispy Oven Baked Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe Easy Sesame Glaze
This recipe delivers golden, crispy chicken thighs with a sticky honey garlic sesame glaze, perfect for a quick and impressive meal. Baking on a wire rack ensures crispy skin without frying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings (about 2 chicken thighs per serving) 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds or 900 grams)
- ⅓ cup honey (110 grams)
- ¼ cup soy sauce (60 ml), low-sodium preferred
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, freshly cracked
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced (optional garnish)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or neutral oil (to grease the baking rack)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease your wire rack with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove moisture. Season both sides with black pepper.
- Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up on the wire rack, spaced apart for even heat circulation.
- Bake the chicken for 25 minutes to render fat and crisp the skin.
- While baking, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, and black pepper in a mixing bowl to make the glaze.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and brush the glaze generously over each thigh.
- Return the chicken to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, watching carefully to allow the glaze to caramelize without burning. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices.
- Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
Patting the chicken skin dry is essential for crispiness. Use a wire rack to allow air circulation and prevent sogginess. Apply glaze in the last 10-15 minutes to avoid burning. Tent with foil if glaze darkens too quickly. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari. Adding red pepper flakes or sriracha adds a spicy kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 2 chicken thig
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 14
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 30
Keywords: honey garlic chicken, crispy chicken thighs, oven baked chicken, sesame glaze, easy dinner, quick chicken recipe