Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Juicy chicken thighs glazed in a sticky honey garlic sauce always bring a little excitement to a busy weeknight. Sweet yet deeply savory, this dish is on the table in just over half an hour and has saved me more than once when I needed something easy but crowd-pleasing. With bold flavors and minimal prep, it is a weeknight hero you will make on repeat.

This saucey chicken started as a quick solution for dinner during a busy week. Now it is our backup plan when we want comfort food without any fuss. My family cannot get enough of the glossy honey glaze and flavorful leftovers.

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs: bring juicy texture and keep the dish tender look for pieces trimmed of extra fat and with uniform thickness
• Salt and black pepper: to season the chicken and enhance flavor use fine salt for easy absorption
• Olive oil: helps the chicken brown beautifully choose extra virgin for best taste
• Honey: gives the sauce its signature sweetness try to use local raw honey for deeper aroma
• Soy sauce: provides savory umami and depth low sodium is my go-to to balance the honey
• Garlic: infuses every bite with rich aroma and flavor use freshly minced for best results
• Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar: adds brightness and helps cut the richness choose clear vinegar for clean flavor
• Grated ginger: is optional but brings a gentle warming note (freshly grated gives zing)
• Cornstarch slurry: thickens the sauce to a luscious glaze stir well to avoid lumps
• Chopped fresh parsley or green onions: add color and herbal freshness use bright green leaves for prettiest garnish
• Sesame seeds: for a bit of crunch and toasty nuttiness opt for toasted seeds if possible

Instructions

Pat and Season the Chicken:

Pat chicken thighs dry on both sides with paper towels to remove extra moisture. Sprinkle each side with salt and black pepper so the seasoning sticks and flavors the meat throughout.

Brown the Chicken:

Pour olive oil into a large skillet and heat over medium-high until it shimmers. Lay in the chicken thighs in a single layer. Do not crowd the pan. Let them sear, undisturbed, for about three to four minutes per side until a golden crust forms. This caramelization adds lots of flavor.

Mix the Sauce:

While the chicken browns, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and grated ginger in a bowl until fully combined. Make sure the honey dissolves into the liquids so the sauce is smooth.

Simmer With Sauce:

Reduce the heat to medium-low once the chicken is browned. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the thighs. Cover with a lid to keep the steam in, then simmer gently for about ten to twelve minutes, flipping chicken halfway so both sides absorb the flavor. Cook until chicken is fully cooked to 75 degrees Celsius or 165 degrees Fahrenheit internally.

Thicken the Sauce:

Set the chicken aside on a plate. Mix cornstarch with water in a small bowl until no lumps remain. Pour this slurry into the skillet with the sauce, stirring constantly. Let the sauce bubble for one to two minutes so it thickens up into a glossy glaze.

Return Chicken for Glazing:

Place the chicken thighs back into the thickened sauce. Spoon the sauce over each piece and let them sit on low heat for one or two minutes so the glaze coats them thoroughly.

Garnish and Serve:

Sprinkle chopped parsley or green onions over the saucy chicken. Add sesame seeds if using. Serve right from the pan or transfer to a platter for a family-style meal.

Save

There is something magical about honey giving the sauce its vibrant sheen and floral flavor. I love using honey from our local farmers market, which makes the glaze addictive and supports our community. Serving this for Sunday dinner with my kids gathered around is a memory I treasure.

Storage Tips

Store cooled leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The honey garlic sauce will thicken as it chills, so you may need to add a splash of water during reheating. Gently reheat covered on the stove or in the microwave for best texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap chicken thighs for boneless chicken breasts but shorten the simmer time as they cook faster and can dry out. If you are out of fresh ginger, add a pinch of ground ginger to the sauce. For soy-free needs, use coconut aminos and keep an eye on salt level as it tends to be less salty than soy sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this chicken over steamed jasmine or basmati rice so you soak up every bit of sauce. For a lighter option, roasted broccoli or snow peas make a great side. I love topping with extra parsley and a spoonful of sauce for extra richness.

Save

This honey garlic chicken recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Every bite is sticky, savory, and just a little bit sweet.

Common Questions

→ Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breast can be substituted. Adjust cooking time so the meat stays moist and doesn't overcook.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Steamed rice, quinoa, or roasted veggies complement the sweet-savory flavors perfectly.

→ Is it possible to make the sauce spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a gentle heat without altering the main flavor profile.

→ How can I thicken the sauce?

Mix cornstarch with water and stir it into the simmering pan sauce for a glossy, thick finish.

→ Are there any allergen concerns?

The dish contains soy. Sesame seeds are optional; omit if needed to accommodate allergies.

→ Can the glaze be prepared ahead?

Yes, combine the sauce ingredients in advance and store in the fridge for up to 2 days.