Preheat the oven to 375F.

Heat a cast iron pan over high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides. Once the pan is hot, add the oil and carefully lay the chicken skin side down on the pan. Sear on both sides until golden brown. It does not need to be cooked through at this point.

Meanwhile, mix together the brown sugar, chili flakes, thyme, and honey. Once the chicken is golden brown on both sides, remove the chicken and set it aside. Turn the heat down to medium low heat.

Add the thinly sliced garlic to the pan and cook for one minute until it's fragrant. Add the brown sugar mixture and cook just until the sugar melts. Return the chicken back to the pan and toss to coat.

Finish cooking the chicken in the oven for 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165F. Serve with collard greens.