Indulge in the perfect balance of sweet and savory with this Honey Garlic Chicken recipe. A delightful glaze made of honey, garlic, and simple pantry staples transforms tender chicken thighs into a restaurant-quality dish. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or hosting a special dinner, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The golden-brown skin-on chicken pairs beautifully with the sticky sauce, making every bite irresistible.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs (or boneless, skinless thighs as a substitute)
- 2 tsp vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¾ tsp garlic powder
Honey Garlic Sauce
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup honey (or maple syrup, brown sugar, or light corn syrup if allergic to honey)
- 3 tbsp cold water
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or white vinegar or apple cider vinegar)
- ½ tbsp regular soy sauce
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch (or potato starch/tapioca starch)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken : Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to ensure a crispy sear. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Sear the Chicken : Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 4–5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook the other side for 3–4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Honey Garlic Sauce : Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in honey, cold water, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Thicken the Sauce : In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1 tsp of water to create a slurry. Add this mixture to the skillet and stir until the sauce thickens.
- Finish Cooking the Chicken : Return the seared chicken to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the thighs to coat them well. Cover and cook on low heat for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
- Serve and Enjoy : Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions, if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Conclusion
This Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is an irresistible combination of simple ingredients and bold flavors. The golden-brown chicken is coated with a luscious, sticky glaze that’s sure to become a family favorite. Quick to make and endlessly versatile, this dish is perfect for both busy weeknights and festive gatherings. Enjoy!
Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Honey Garlic Chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-makedish featuring juicy chicken thighs in a sweet and garlicky glaze. Perfect forany occasion!
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 skin-on bone-in chicken thighs (or boneless, skinless thighs as a substitute)
- 2 tsp vegetable oil or any neutral oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¾ tsp garlic powder
Honey Garlic Sauce
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup, brown sugar, or light corn syrup if allergic to honey
- 3 tbsp cold water
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- ½ tbsp regular soy sauce
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch or potato starch/tapioca starch
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken : Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to ensure a crispy sear. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Sear the Chicken : Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 4–5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook the other side for 3–4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Honey Garlic Sauce : Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in honey, cold water, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Thicken the Sauce : In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1 tsp of water to create a slurry. Add this mixture to the skillet and stir until the sauce thickens.
- Finish Cooking the Chicken : Return the seared chicken to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the thighs to coat them well. Cover and cook on low heat for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
- Serve and Enjoy : Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions, if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.