Name: Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 1/3 cup honey; 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free); 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water; Chopped green onions and sesame seeds; Cooked rice or steamed vegetables

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If you’re craving a savory, sweet, and utterly irresistible meal for the whole family, this Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe is what you need in your dinner rotation. Juicy chicken thighs soak up an addictive honey-garlic marinade, then get seared until golden and smothered in a glossy glaze that clings to every bite. Whether you’re a busy weeknight cook or just love bold flavors, this recipe hits every note: it’s fast, deeply flavorful, and comes together in one pan. Serve it over fluffy rice or crisp-tender veggies, and get ready for rave reviews around your table!

Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This dish proves there’s magic in simplicity: just a handful of pantry staples transform into a sticky, savory-sweet masterpiece. Each ingredient has a role—some add depth, others bring out that craveable shine or perfect bite!

Chicken thighs (2 pounds, boneless and skinless): Tender and juicy, these really soak up the bold flavors in the marinade.
Honey (1/3 cup): Adds luscious sweetness and helps create that gorgeous sticky sauce.
Soy sauce or tamari (1/4 cup): This gives the dish a salty, umami backbone; tamari keeps it gluten-free!
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): The real star, infusing every bite with punchy aroma and depth.
Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Brings a little bright tang to balance all that sweetness.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps with browning and rounds out the marinade.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough to add a mild warmth to the sauce.
Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): A subtle chile kick if you like a bit of buzz!
Cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water): Thickens the sauce until it’s silky and coats the chicken perfectly.
Chopped green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish: These add crunch and a pop of color at the end.
Cooked rice or steamed vegetables, for serving: The perfect canvas for soaking up all that addictive sauce.

How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Up the Marinade

Let’s start by mixing all that flavor! In a small bowl, whisk honey, soy sauce (or tamari), garlic, rice vinegar, olive oil, black pepper, and the red pepper flakes if you’d like some heat. This combo is the heart of our Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe, promising both sweetness and a savory bite with each spoonful.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place your chicken thighs in a big resealable bag or a shallow dish, and pour every drop of that irresistible marinade right over. Massage to coat, seal, and then let those flavors mingle in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—though if you have time, two hours will make the taste even more pronounced!

Step 3: Sear to Perfection

Preheat a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the marinated chicken, shaking off excess marinade, and lay the thighs into the hot pan. Sear on each side for about 4–5 minutes. You want a deep, golden crust that keeps all the juiciness locked inside and sets the stage for that glossy sauce.

Step 4: Create the Sticky Honey Garlic Sauce

Pour the leftover marinade into the pan with the chicken. Let it come to a gentle simmer, then whisk in the cornstarch slurry. In just a couple of minutes, the sauce will thicken and turn beautifully glossy, coating every bite of chicken with sticky perfection.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat and shower your Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Now all you have to do is serve it hot over rice or your favorite veggies—and brace yourself for the happy “mmm’s” at your table!

How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe

Garnishes

A finishing sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds isn’t just pretty—it adds fresh flavor and delightful crunch. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding finely sliced red chili for a little extra color and zing!

Side Dishes

This dish just begs to be spooned over steaming white or brown rice, where every grain absorbs the sticky honey-garlic sauce. For a lower-carb pairing, serve it alongside steamed broccoli, snow peas, or a simple stir-fried medley of your favorite vegetables.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the chicken into strips and arranging it over a bed of mixed greens for a stunning salad version. Or, pile the saucy chicken into lettuce cups with rice and veggies for a fun, handheld twist perfect for lunchboxes or appetizers!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Simply pop any leftover Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe into an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to mingle and settle, so it tastes just as fabulous (if not more) the next day!

Freezing

You can freeze this dish by cooling the chicken and sauce completely before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. It’ll keep beautifully for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce together in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also microwave single portions, stirring halfway to make sure everything heats evenly.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work great with the marinade and sauce, but keep an eye on the cooking time so they stay juicy and don’t dry out—just sear until the center is no longer pink.

What can I use instead of honey?

You can swap in maple syrup or agave for a different sweetness profile; both will work wonderfully and bring their own subtle flavors to the Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not unless you want it to be! The red pepper flakes are totally optional, so you can leave them out for a mild, family-friendly meal. Or, crank up the heat to your liking!

Can I bake these instead of cooking on the stovetop?

Yes, you can! Just arrange the marinated chicken in a baking dish, brush with some thickened sauce, and bake at 400°F for 25–30 minutes. Flip and baste halfway for maximum flavor and caramelization.

Is Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe gluten-free?

It absolutely can be—just use tamari instead of regular soy sauce, and always double-check your other ingredients for hidden sources of gluten (cornstarch is naturally gluten-free).

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking to impress guests or keep your dinner routine stress-free, this Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe never fails to bring smiles and satisfied appetites. It’s a true comfort dish that’s reliable, crowd-pleasing, and gloriously simple—so go ahead, give it a whirl, and watch it become a requested favorite!

Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating time)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe is a flavorful and easy dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. The sweet and savory glaze coats tender chicken thighs, making them a family favorite. Serve over rice or with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Thighs:

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Marinade:

1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Thickening:

1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

Garnish and Serving:

Chopped green onions and sesame seeds
Cooked rice or steamed vegetables

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Instructions

Prepare Marinade: Whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, rice vinegar, olive oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Marinate Chicken: Place chicken thighs in a bag or dish, pour marinade over them, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Cook Chicken: Sear marinated chicken in a skillet until browned and cooked through.
Thicken Sauce: Add cornstarch slurry to the skillet with remaining marinade, cook until thickened.
Serve: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, and serve over rice or vegetables.

Notes

For a crispier finish, sear the chicken in a cast-iron skillet.
Bake thighs at 400°F for 25–30 minutes, brushing with sauce halfway through for an alternative cooking method.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired