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Easy One-Pan Honey Balsamic Chicken Recipe for Crispy Skin Perfection

one-pan honey balsamic chicken - featured image

A quick and easy one-pan chicken recipe featuring crispy skin and a sticky honey balsamic glaze, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 680 g)
  • Salt and pepper to taste (about 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper total)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (preferably extra virgin)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  3. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper, including under the skin if possible.
  4. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking, about 2 minutes.
  5. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet without overcrowding.
  6. Sear the chicken skin-side down undisturbed for 7-9 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy.
  7. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 3 minutes on the flesh side.
  8. In a small bowl, mix honey, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  9. Pour the honey balsamic sauce evenly over the chicken thighs in the skillet.
  10. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce thickens into a sticky glaze.
  11. Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute and sauce to thicken.
  12. Serve the chicken with any remaining sauce spooned over the top.

Notes

Pat chicken skin dry before cooking for crispiness. Do not overcrowd the pan. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F. If sauce is not thick enough, reduce on stovetop for 2-3 minutes. For extra crispy skin, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey balsamic chicken, one-pan chicken, crispy chicken skin, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, honey glaze, balsamic vinegar, skillet chicken