Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
  • 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced

Instructions:

  1. Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add thighs in a single layer and cook for 5–7 minutes per side without moving them, until they reach a deep golden-brown color.
  3. Lower the heat to medium. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3–5 minutes, spooning the sauce over the chicken continuously, until the liquid transforms into a thick syrup that coats the meat.
  5. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions before serving.