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Honey Garlic Bourbon Glazed Chicken Thighs

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Sticky, sweet, and savory chicken thighs glazed with honey, garlic, and bourbon for a restaurant-worthy dinner in under 30 minutes. Juicy, tender, and packed with bold flavor, this easy skillet recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup bourbon
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
  • Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with kosher salt and black pepper. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, bourbon, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using).
  3. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs, skin-side down, and cook for 5–7 minutes until skin is golden brown and crisp.
  4. Flip chicken thighs over. Pour about half of the glaze over the chicken, coating each piece. Reduce heat to medium and cook for another 5–6 minutes, occasionally spooning pan juices over the chicken.
  5. Optional: Transfer skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F and bake for 10 minutes, or move chicken to a baking sheet if skillet is not oven-safe.
  6. While chicken finishes, pour remaining glaze into skillet (remove chicken if baking separately). Simmer over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until thick and glossy.
  7. Return chicken to skillet (if baked separately) and toss in thickened glaze until well-coated.
  8. Check for doneness: chicken should reach 165°F internally. Juices should run clear.
  9. Garnish with chopped parsley and sesame seeds. Serve with lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

For gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. Boneless, skinless thighs can be used but will cook faster and be less crispy. Grill or air fry for seasonal variations. Double the glaze for extra sauce. Let chicken rest a few minutes before serving for juicier meat.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken thighs, honey garlic, bourbon glaze, easy dinner, skillet chicken, weeknight meal, sticky chicken, comfort food, high protein, family friendly

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/honey-garlic-bourbon-glazed-chicken-thighs-recipe-easy-30-minute-dinner/