If you’re looking for a weeknight winner that melds sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors all in one pan, you’re going to adore this Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe. Trust me, I’ve made versions of this recipe for years, and it never fails to deliver juicy, tender chicken with that addictive sticky glaze. Plus, it’s super quick to whip up—perfect for busy evenings when you want something special but simple.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast and Easy: From prep to plate in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
- Flavor Explosion: The combo of honey, garlic, soy, and a hint of chili creates a balanced, mouthwatering taste.
- Juicy Chicken Thighs: Using boneless skinless thighs keeps the meat tender and perfectly cooked every time.
- Minimal Ingredients: Simple pantry staples that come together to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here plays its part in building that glossy, crave-worthy sauce and keeping the chicken deliciously tender. I recommend using fresh garlic if you can—it really makes a difference!
- Chicken thighs: Boneless and skinless works best for quick cooking and juicy results.
- Cornflour (cornstarch): This helps create a crispy coating and thickens the sauce beautifully.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning to bring out the chicken’s flavor.
- Vegetable oil: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable or canola.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness to the sauce and helps mellow the garlic.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh and minced for that punch of flavor.
- Honey: The star sweetener that balances the savory notes perfectly.
- Chicken stock: Adds depth and moistens the sauce.
- Rice vinegar: Just a touch for gentle acidity and brightness.
- Light soy sauce: For savory umami and saltiness.
- Fresh parsley: Finely chopped to freshen up the finished dish.
- Chili flakes: Adds a subtle kick—I usually go light to keep it approachable.
- Boiled rice: For serving, because you’ll want to soak up every bit of that sauce!
Variations
I love that this Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe is so flexible—you can easily tweak it to suit what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Personally, I’ve played around with the spice level and even swapped out ingredients depending on the season.
- Spicy Kick: I added extra chili flakes once for a fiery dinner that my spice-loving friends devoured.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
- Sweet Swap: Try maple syrup instead of honey for a slightly different sweet note that I found just as delicious.
- Herb Boost: Adding fresh thyme or rosemary alongside parsley gives the sauce an earthy aroma I found really comforting on a cozy night in.
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe
Step 1: Coat and Season the Chicken
Start by placing your chicken thighs in a bowl, then toss them with cornflour, salt, and pepper until every piece is well coated. This steps gives the chicken a subtle crispiness once cooked, and helps thicken the sauce later. I usually do this step first thing so the chicken gets a few minutes to rest with the seasoning working its magic.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken Until Golden
Heat your oil in a large skillet over high heat. When it’s hot, add the chicken thighs, making sure they’re spaced out (don’t overcrowd the pan). Cook without moving for about 4-5 minutes until the skin side is a beautiful golden brown—this is where flavor builds. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes on the other side.
Step 3: Add Butter and Garlic Gently
Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the pan. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and give it a quick stir. This part needs your attention—keep the heat low enough so the garlic softens without burning, which will make your sauce bitter. The garlic and butter combine to create that rich base for your sauce.
Step 4: Mix and Add the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, chicken stock, rice vinegar, and light soy sauce. Pour this mixture over your chicken in the pan, then turn the heat back up to bring it to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer for 4-5 minutes. You’ll see the sauce thicken and coat the chicken perfectly, while the meat finishes cooking through. The smell at this stage is totally irresistible.
Step 5: Finish with Fresh Parsley and Chili Flakes
Once your sauce is sticky and luscious, sprinkle in the freshly chopped parsley and the chili flakes to taste. These last touches brighten and add a perfect little kick to the dish. Serve immediately over hot boiled rice to soak up all that saucy goodness.
Pro Tips for Making Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Don’t Skip the Cornflour Coating: It creates a subtle crust and helps your sauce cling to the chicken instead of sliding off.
- Control Your Heat: Garlic can burn quickly—keep an eye on it and turn the heat down as soon as it starts smelling fragrant.
- Use Boneless Skinless Thighs: This keeps cooking times quick, while delivering juicy texture that white meat can’t always achieve.
- Simmer to Thicken: Take your time letting the sauce bubble gently—it transforms it from runny to perfectly sticky and concentrated.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe
Garnishes
I always top mine with fresh parsley because it adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that lightens the richness. Chili flakes are optional but I love how they add just enough heat to balance the sweetness from the honey.
Side Dishes
Boiled rice is my go-to because it soaks up that incredible sauce, but I’ve also served this with simple steamed veggies or garlic sautéed green beans. Mashed potatoes would be great too if you’re in the mood for comfort food!
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, I like plating the chicken thighs sliced on a bed of jasmine rice with extra sauce drizzled over, then finishing with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced scallions. It instantly makes it feel fancy but stays super approachable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually let the chicken cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It stays great for up to 3 days, and honestly, the flavors develop even more overnight.
Freezing
If I’ve made a big batch, I freeze leftovers in portion sizes. I recommend freezing the chicken and sauce separately from rice, if possible, to avoid sogginess when reheating. They freeze beautifully and thaw quickly for easy meals later.
Reheating
To reheat, I gently warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken stock if the sauce has thickened too much. This method keeps the chicken tender without drying it out, and revives that shiny glaze we all love.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this honey garlic chicken recipe?
You absolutely can, but keep in mind chicken breasts cook faster and can dry out if overcooked. If you swap in breasts, watch them closely and consider reducing the cooking time a bit to keep the meat juicy.
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How do I make the sauce thicker for honey garlic chicken thighs?
The cornflour coating helps thicken the sauce during cooking. Additionally, let the sauce simmer without stirring too much to allow it to reduce and become glossy and thick. If it’s still too thin, you can mix a teaspoon of cornflour with cold water and stir it in near the end, then cook for another minute.
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Can I prepare this honey garlic chicken ahead of time for meal prep?
Yes! This recipe is excellent for meal prep because it reheats well. Store chicken and sauce in airtight containers in the fridge, and just reheat gently when ready to eat. Pair with freshly cooked rice or steamed veggies for a quick meal.
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What kind of honey works best in this recipe?
Regular liquid honey from the grocery store works perfectly. I avoid crystallized honey for this recipe because it doesn’t melt smoothly into the sauce. If your honey is thick, just warm it gently before mixing.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites because it’s simple but packs such a delicious punch. I still remember the first time I made it—it instantly became a family favorite and now it’s one of those go-to dishes I rely on when I want dinner to feel special without a fuss. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do; honestly, once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again.
Print
Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Honey Garlic Chicken recipe features tender, boneless chicken thighs cooked in a flavorful sticky sauce made with garlic, honey, soy sauce, and a hint of chili flakes. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s an easy and satisfying dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, served over boiled rice.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 8 chicken thighs (skinless and boneless)
- 2 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Sauce and Cooking
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 110 g (1/3 cup) honey
- 80 ml (1/3 cup) chicken stock
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 tsp chilli flakes
Serving
- Boiled rice
Instructions
- Coat the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a bowl and add the cornflour, salt, and pepper. Toss thoroughly until each piece is fully coated with the cornflour mixture.
- Heat the Pan and Sear Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan or skillet over high heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook on one side for about 4-5 minutes until they develop a golden brown crust. Flip them and cook for an additional 2 minutes on the other side.
- Add Butter and Garlic: Add the unsalted butter to the pan and allow it to melt. Add the minced garlic and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to medium to prevent the garlic from burning, infusing the oil with garlic flavor.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together the honey, chicken stock, rice vinegar, and light soy sauce until well combined.
- Cook the Sauce and Chicken: Pour the prepared sauce into the pan. Increase the heat to bring it to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the chicken is cooked through with no pink in the center.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley and chilli flakes over the chicken. Serve immediately over a bed of boiled rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Sticky tender boneless chicken thighs cooked in a rich garlic, soy, and honey sauce.
- Minimal ingredients make this recipe easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights.
- Ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish.
- Adjust chili flakes to preference for spiciness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 472 kcal
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 804 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 223 mg
