Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Thighs

 

Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Thighs are a flavorful and juicy dish featuring tender, pan-seared or baked chicken thighs coated in a rich, sweet, and savory honey garlic sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or special occasions. The combination of honey, garlic, soy sauce, and a hint of spice creates an irresistible glaze that pairs well with rice, vegetables, or salads.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  • The perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors.
  • Uses simple pantry ingredients.
  • Can be made on the stovetop or in the oven.
  • Pairs well with a variety of sides like rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Bone-in, skin-on or boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • Honey
  • Garlic cloves, minced
  • Soy sauce
  • Apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
  • Olive oil or butter
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • Salt and pepper
  • Cornstarch (for thickening the sauce)
  • Water (for cornstarch slurry)
  • Fresh parsley or green onions (for garnish)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken

  • Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel.
  • Season with salt and pepper on both sides.

2. Cook the Chicken

Stovetop Method:

  • Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down (if using skin-on), and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
  • Flip and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Oven Method:

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Sear the chicken thighs in a hot pan for 3-4 minutes per side.
  • Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until fully cooked.

3. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

  • In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Stir in honey, soy sauce, and vinegar. Bring to a simmer.
  • If using, add red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
  • Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then stir into the sauce to thicken.

4. Glaze the Chicken

  • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, coating it in the honey garlic sauce.
  • Let it simmer for a few minutes until the chicken is fully glazed.

5. Serve

  • Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions.
  • Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4
  • Prep time: 10 minutes
  • Cook time: 20-25 minutes
  • Total time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

  • Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken – Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha.
  • Lemon Honey Chicken – Substitute vinegar with lemon juice for a citrusy flavor.
  • Ginger Honey Garlic Chicken – Add freshly grated ginger for extra depth.
  • Air Fryer Version – Cook chicken thighs in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
  • Gluten-Free Option – Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing – Freeze cooked chicken thighs (without sauce) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
  • Reheating – Warm in a skillet over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but adjust the cooking time as chicken breasts cook faster than thighs.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer—chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken in advance for more flavor.

What side dishes pair well with this dish?

Steamed rice, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, then thicken the sauce before serving.

How can I prevent the sauce from burning?

Cook on low heat and stir frequently to avoid scorching the honey.

What if my sauce is too thin?

Add a little more cornstarch slurry to thicken it up.

Can I use pre-minced garlic?

Fresh garlic is best for flavor, but pre-minced can be used in a pinch.

How do I make the chicken extra crispy?

Use skin-on thighs and sear them well before baking or broiling for 2-3 minutes at the end.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Conclusion

Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Thighs are an easy, flavorful dish that delivers the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Whether served over rice, alongside vegetables, or on its own, this dish is a guaranteed hit. Try this recipe for a simple yet delicious homemade mea

 

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Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Thighs

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  • Author: Mariem
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Description

These Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Thighs are tender, juicy, and coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory glaze. A quick and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners!


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp ginger, grated
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (optional for

Instructions

  • Sear the Chicken:

    • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
    • Sear chicken thighs for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown.
  • Prepare the Sauce:

    • In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and black pepper.
    • Pour the mixture over the chicken and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
  • Thicken the Sauce (Optional):

    • Mix cornstarch with water and stir into the sauce for a thicker glaze.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for 3-5 minutes after cooking.
  • Substitute chicken breasts if preferred.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

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