Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

A quick and sticky-sweet chicken dish made with tender chicken thighs, a glossy honey-garlic glaze, and ready in under 30 minutes for weekday dinners.

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Serving Size servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

4-6 pieces Chicken thighs (boneless or bone-in) Boneless skin-on takes about 10–12 minutes; bone-in needs 20–25 minutes total.
3-4 cloves Garlic, minced Or use 1–2 teaspoons garlic paste.
3 tablespoons Soy sauce Use low-sodium if watching salt.
3 tablespoons Honey Adjust to taste.
1 cup Rice Cooked, for serving (white, jasmine, brown, or cauliflower rice).
to taste Salt and black pepper For seasoning.

Optional/Substitutions

to taste Tamari For a gluten-free option.
to taste Maple syrup For a different sweet note.
splash Rice wine vinegar or lemon juice For brightness.

Instructions

Preparation

Whisk together the minced garlic, soy sauce, and honey in a small bowl. Set aside.
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a thin film of neutral oil if your chicken is skinless.

Cooking

Place the thighs in the skillet skin-side down or presentation-side down. Don’t overcrowd the pan.
Sear for about 4–6 minutes until well-browned and caramelized. Flip and cook the other side for another 4–6 minutes. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour the honey-garlic mixture over the chicken. Let it simmer gently for about 4–5 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Remove from heat, spoon extra sauce from the pan over the chicken, and let the thighs rest a minute before serving with rice.

Notes

Serve with steamed vegetables or a simple salad. Leftovers can be used in wraps or tacos. Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days in the refrigerator. Freeze for up to 3 months.