Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Spiced Honey Glaze

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken thighs pan-seared to golden perfection and coated with a warm honey glaze infused with cinnamon and smoked paprika. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 4 bone-in chicken thighs dry and season evenly with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon on both sides.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 6-7 minutes until the skin is crisp and deep golden brown.
  3. Step 3: Flip the chicken and cook for another 5 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a plate.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium-low and add 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 3 tbsp honey and 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, scraping up browned bits. Cook the glaze for 2-3 minutes until thickened and sticky.
  6. Step 6: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet and spoon the glaze over them, cooking for 1 minute to coat and warm through before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Spiced Honey Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Spiced Honey Glaze?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Spiced Honey Glaze?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Spiced Honey Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Spiced Honey Glaze?

American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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