Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Thighs

Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Thighs is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender, juicy chicken coated in a sticky, sweet-savory glaze made with garlic, honey, and soy sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this simple skillet recipe delivers bold flavor with minimal ingredients and effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a weeknight staple: quick, easy, and packed with flavor. The combination of honey and garlic creates a glaze that perfectly balances sweetness and depth. Chicken thighs stay moist and tender, even when cooked quickly, and the sauce caramelizes beautifully. It pairs well with rice, noodles, or vegetables, making it a versatile main dish.

ingredients

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

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• Olive oil or vegetable oil
• Garlic, minced
• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
• Salt and black pepper
• Cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• Water (to make a cornstarch slurry if using)
• Green onions or sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

directions

1. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs for 5–6 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
4. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and vinegar. Simmer for 1–2 minutes to combine.
5. Return chicken to the skillet. Spoon sauce over the pieces and cook for another 2–3 minutes until the glaze thickens.
6. (Optional) For a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl, add to the pan, and stir until thickened.
7. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20–25 minutes
Total time: 30–35 minutes

Variations

• Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for extra richness and crispier texture
• Add red chili flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick
• Substitute maple syrup for honey for a different sweetness
• Use tamari or coconut aminos to make it gluten-free
• Add steamed broccoli or green beans directly to the pan for a complete meal

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but chicken breasts can dry out more easily. Adjust cooking time to avoid overcooking.

Does the glaze need thickening with cornstarch?
Not necessarily. The sauce naturally reduces and thickens, but cornstarch can help if a thicker consistency is preferred.

What’s the best way to get the chicken crispy?
Pat the chicken dry before searing, and avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper browning.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats very well. Store in the fridge and gently reheat before serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written, due to the soy sauce. Use a gluten-free alternative like tamari to adapt it.

What should I serve with honey garlic chicken?
Steamed rice, mashed potatoes, sautéed greens, or noodles are all excellent pairings.

Can I bake this instead of pan-frying?
Yes. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes, then brush with sauce and broil for a few minutes until glazed.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Cook it on medium or medium-low heat and stir continuously until just golden and fragrant.

Can I double the sauce?
Absolutely. Just maintain the same ratios and simmer a little longer to thicken if needed.

Does this freeze well?
Yes. Let it cool completely, then freeze in a sealed container. Thaw and reheat for a quick meal later.

Conclusion

Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Thighs is a flavorful, family-friendly recipe that comes together quickly and delivers every time. With its glossy, sticky glaze and juicy texture, it’s a comforting and satisfying dish that’s easy to make and even easier to love. Perfect for busy evenings or lazy weekends, it’s sure to become a household favorite.

Print