Sticky, tender Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs glazed in a sweet-savory sauce—easy to make, big on flavor, and perfect for effortless weeknight dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs come together with just a handful of essentials—each one carefully chosen to deliver big flavor and lovely texture. Every ingredient truly pulls its weight, from the tender richness of the chicken to that vibrant, sticky-sweet glaze.
- Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on): These stay extra juicy and get wonderfully crisp during cooking—don’t substitute boneless for the same luscious result!
- Salt and pepper: A quick sprinkle enhances the natural savoriness and helps that golden skin shine.
- Olive oil: Adds a hint of fruitiness and ensures your chicken sears up perfectly crispy and golden.
- Honey: The star of the glaze, honey gives that sticky-sweet finish and gorgeous caramelization.
- Soy sauce: Brings a deep umami backbone and saltiness that balances the sweetness.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Fresh garlic infuses the entire dish with toasty, aromatic flavor—it’s pure magic in the sauce.
- Apple cider vinegar: Just a splash brings brightness and cuts through the richness of the glaze.
- Cornstarch + water (optional): Whisked together as a slurry, this thickens the sauce to a silky, spoon-coating consistency.
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This step helps the skin turn beautifully crisp in the pan. Sprinkle both sides liberally with salt and pepper, making sure the seasoning gets under the skin and around every nook. This quick touch ensures every bite of these Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs sings with flavor.
Step 2: Sear for Golden Goodness
Heat the olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Nestle the chicken thighs in, skin-side down, and let them cook undisturbed for 5 to 6 minutes. You’re after crackly, deep golden skin here, so don’t rush this part! Flip them over and cook for another 2 minutes to gently brown the other side. This process not only builds flavor but also gives you that irresistible crispy texture.
Step 3: Mix Up the Honey Garlic Sauce
While your chicken is browning, grab a small bowl and whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and apple cider vinegar. This simple combination magically transforms into a rich, savory-sweet glaze that will coat the thighs and bubble beautifully in the oven.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over the seared chicken thighs in the skillet. Slide the whole pan into your preheated 400°F (200°C) oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The chicken will finish cooking gently, soaking up all those luscious flavors, until it’s cooked through and the juices run clear or an instant-read thermometer reads 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: (Optional) Thicken the Sauce
For an extra indulgent finish, transfer the sticky pan sauce to a small pot after the chicken is done. Stir together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry, then whisk it into the sauce and simmer for a minute or two. In no time, you’ll have a rich, glossy sauce to spoon generously over your Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Garnishes
Garnishing these Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs takes just a minute, but it makes every plate pop. Try a bright sprinkle of thinly sliced green onions, a scattering of toasted sesame seeds, or a handful of fresh cilantro or parsley. Each adds freshness and a little crunch that plays perfectly with the sauce.
Side Dishes
When it comes to choosing sides, this dish loves company! Fluffy steamed rice soaks up every last drop of that golden glaze, while roasted veggies or garlicky green beans add color and balance. But honestly, even a simple crisp salad or buttery mashed potatoes can turn these Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs into a complete, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For something a little different, serve these thighs sliced over a bed of jasmine rice with the sauce drizzled on top for a “deconstructed bowl” vibe. Or, pull the meat off the bone and pile it into soft buns with a bit of crunchy slaw for a sweet and savory slider. However you serve them, Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs always impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs, simply let them cool then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce will soak in even more, deepening the flavor with every hour.
Freezing
To freeze, place cooled chicken thighs (with a bit of sauce, if possible) in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to maintain the juiciness.
Reheating
To bring your Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs back to life, warm them gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through—about 15 to 20 minutes. Add a splash of water or extra sauce to the pan to keep things moist and flavorful. Microwaving works too, just go low and slow so the meat stays tender.
FAQs
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead?
Absolutely! While bone-in, skin-on thighs give the best flavor and juiciness for Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs, boneless, skinless thighs will cook even faster and still soak up the sauce beautifully. Just adjust cooking time to avoid drying them out.
What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar?
No worries—white wine vinegar or even regular white vinegar can stand in. Each brings a slightly different tartness, but the dish will still taste delicious and vibrant.
How spicy is the sauce?
The base recipe is all about sweet and savory. If you crave a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of sriracha to the sauce mixture before baking.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
You bet! Mix up the honey, soy sauce, garlic, and vinegar a day ahead and store in the fridge. This way, you can get a jumpstart on dinner and have your Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs in the oven even faster.
Do I need a cast-iron skillet for this recipe?
A cast-iron skillet helps get that incredible sear, but any ovenproof pan will do the trick. If you don’t have one, simply transfer the seared chicken and sauce to a baking dish before finishing in the oven.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a new go-to chicken dinner that checks every box for ease, flavor, and pure comfort, give Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs a try. With their crave-worthy glaze and juicy bite, they might just become your new weeknight superstar!
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Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Sticky, tender Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs glazed in a sweet-savory sauce—easy to make, big on flavor, and perfect for effortless weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce:
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
To Thicken (Optional):
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp water
Instructions
- Preheat and Season: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in an oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear until the skin is golden and crisp, about 5–6 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and apple cider vinegar until thoroughly combined.
- Add Sauce and Bake: Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken thighs. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken to a plate and pour the pan juices into a small saucepan. Stir together cornstarch and water to make a slurry, then whisk it into the sauce. Simmer for a few minutes until thickened.
- Serve: Spoon the honey garlic sauce over the baked chicken thighs and serve hot, garnished with your choice of sides.
Notes
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning for crispier skin.
- If your skillet isn’t oven-proof, transfer the chicken and sauce to a baking dish before baking.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for up to 2 hours before cooking.
- The sauce pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 815mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 148mg