Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Tender, juicy chicken thighs simmered in a rich and sticky honey garlic sauce make this dish an easy and flavorful dinner option. With a perfect balance of sweetness, savory depth, and garlicky goodness, this recipe is ideal for weeknight meals yet impressive enough for guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This honey garlic chicken thighs recipe is beloved for its simplicity and robust flavor. It requires minimal ingredients and effort, but delivers maximum taste. The chicken turns out succulent with a caramelized glaze that clings beautifully to each piece. Whether you bake, pan-sear, or grill the chicken, the results are always satisfying. It pairs effortlessly with rice, noodles, or vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

ingredients

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

• Chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on or boneless skinless

• Garlic, freshly minced

• Honey

• Soy sauce

• Olive oil or sesame oil

• Apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar

• Salt and pepper

• Optional: red pepper flakes or chili paste for heat

• Optional garnish: green onions and sesame seeds

directions

1. Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, vinegar, and oil. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

2. Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2–4 hours for deeper flavor.

3. Cook the chicken:

   • Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs (skin-side down if using skin-on) until browned, then flip and cook through, basting occasionally with the sauce.

   • Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place chicken in a baking dish, pour remaining marinade over, and bake for 25–30 minutes until cooked through and caramelized.

   • Grill: Grill the chicken thighs over medium heat, turning occasionally and basting with the marinade until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

4. Reduce the sauce (optional): Pour leftover marinade into a small saucepan and simmer until thickened, then drizzle over the cooked chicken.

5. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Marinating time: 30 minutes to 4 hours
Cook time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes (depending on marination)

Variations

• Spicy kick: Add chili flakes, sriracha, or gochujang for a spicy version.

• Citrus twist: Add a splash of orange juice or zest to the marinade for brightness.

• Ginger infusion: Incorporate freshly grated ginger for added depth.

• Different proteins: Try the same marinade on chicken breasts, drumsticks, or even salmon.

• Low-sodium option: Use low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos for reduced salt content.

storage/reheating

Store leftover honey garlic chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat:

• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying.

• Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes until warmed through.

• Microwave: Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, checking and stirring occasionally.

Freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

What type of chicken thighs work best for this recipe?

Both bone-in, skin-on and boneless, skinless thighs work well. Bone-in provides more flavor, while boneless is quicker to cook.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, though they may require a shorter cooking time and could be less juicy than thighs.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes. You can marinate the chicken overnight and cook it the next day. Leftovers also taste great reheated.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Not by default, since soy sauce contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce alternative.

Can I double the sauce for serving over rice?

Absolutely. The sauce is delicious over rice or noodles, so making extra is a great idea.

What side dishes go well with honey garlic chicken thighs?

Popular sides include steamed jasmine rice, stir-fried vegetables, roasted broccoli, or a crisp cucumber salad.

Do I need to marinate the chicken?

Marinating enhances flavor and tenderness, but if short on time, you can cook it immediately with the sauce, though the taste may be less developed.

Can I cook this in the air fryer?

Yes. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and cook for about 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

How can I thicken the sauce?

Simmer the marinade separately in a small saucepan until it reduces and thickens, or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water).

Conclusion

Honey garlic chicken thighs are an irresistible combination of sweet, savory, and umami flavors with minimal effort required. Whether baked, pan-seared, or grilled, this dish is a reliable crowd-pleaser that fits into any meal plan. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, it deserves a regular spot on your dinner rotation.