Print

Best Easy Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

honey garlic chicken thighs - featured image
Print Recipe

These honey garlic chicken thighs are sticky, sweet, and savory, with a glossy caramelized sauce that clings to every piece. Ready in about 30 minutes with simple pantry ingredients, this one-pan wonder is perfect for busy weeknights and pleases even picky eaters.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (6–8 thighs)
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
  • 5–6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3–4 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with black pepper. Do not add salt yet.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Set aside.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Wait until the oil shimmers (about 2 minutes).
  4. Sear the chicken thighs in a single layer, skin side down if they have skin. Cook for 4-5 minutes until deeply golden brown. Flip and cook another 4 minutes. Transfer to a plate (chicken will not be fully cooked through).
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add minced garlic to the pan and stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Pour in the sauce mixture and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it come to a gentle simmer.
  7. Whisk the cornstarch slurry again and pour it into the simmering sauce. Stir continuously for about 1 minute until the sauce thickens and turns glossy.
  8. Return the chicken thighs to the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon some sauce over the tops. Cover the pan with a lid and simmer on low heat for 8-10 minutes.
  9. Remove the lid and let the sauce reduce for another 2-3 minutes, spooning it over the chicken as it thickens. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
  10. Garnish generously with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Don’t skip drying the chicken for best browning. Watch the heat when adding garlic to avoid burning. The sauce will look thin at first but thickens with the cornstarch slurry. Let the chicken rest 5 minutes before serving for juicier meat. Double the sauce if you love extra. For a gluten-free version, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey garlic chicken, sticky chicken thighs, easy chicken dinner, one-pan chicken, weeknight dinner, honey garlic sauce

Find it online: https://bakebeam.com/best-easy-sticky-honey-garlic-chicken-thighs/