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Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

honey garlic chicken thighs - featured image

Juicy chicken thighs glazed in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, this easy skillet dinner is healthy, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. The sticky, flavorful sauce clings to every bite, making it a family favorite you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds (about 8) chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on or boneless, skinless)
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 4 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
  • Optional: sesame seeds (toasted), for garnish
  • Optional: fresh chopped parsley or green onion, for garnish
  • Optional: red chili flakes, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and minced garlic. Set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add chicken thighs skin-side down (if using skin-on). Sear undisturbed for 6-7 minutes until golden and the skin releases easily.
  4. Flip the thighs and cook another 5-6 minutes (about 4 minutes per side for boneless thighs), until mostly cooked through (internal temp around 155°F).
  5. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken. Use tongs to turn the chicken so it’s well coated.
  6. Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 8-10 minutes, turning the thighs occasionally, until the sauce thickens and clings to the chicken. If the sauce reduces too fast, add a splash of water.
  7. Check for doneness: chicken is done when juices run clear and internal temp is 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, pierce the thickest part and look for clear juices.
  8. Transfer chicken to a plate, spoon sauce over the top, and garnish with sesame seeds, parsley, or green onions if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

For extra crispy skin, run the chicken under the broiler for 2 minutes at the end. To make it gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. Add chili flakes or sriracha for heat, or toss in broccoli or snap peas during the last few minutes for a one-pan meal. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days or can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey garlic chicken, chicken thighs, healthy dinner, easy chicken recipe, skillet chicken, weeknight dinner, gluten-free option, Asian chicken, sticky chicken, meal prep