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Easy Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

easy sticky honey garlic chicken thighs recipe - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for sticky honey garlic chicken thighs with a sweet and savory glaze, perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds / 680 grams)
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (60 ml), low-sodium recommended
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (15 ml)
  • 1/4 cup water (60 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced (optional, for garnish)
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides lightly with black pepper and a pinch of salt if desired. Set aside.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and water. If a thicker glaze is preferred, stir in cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
  3. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking, about 2 minutes.
  4. Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot pan, pressing lightly to ensure contact. Cook for 6-7 minutes without moving until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip and cook the other side for 5 minutes.
  5. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken, reduce heat to medium-low, and let simmer. Spoon sauce over the chicken occasionally. Cook for another 6-8 minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  6. Remove the chicken and let it rest for 5 minutes. If the sauce isn’t thick enough, increase heat slightly and stir until it reaches desired consistency.
  7. Plate the chicken thighs and drizzle with the sticky sauce. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

Patting chicken dry before searing is essential for crispy skin. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness. For a thicker sauce, add cornstarch or simmer longer. Avoid rushing when flipping chicken to maintain crispy skin. If sauce separates, lower heat and stir gently. Can substitute tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free or paleo versions. Optional garnishes add flavor and texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey garlic chicken, sticky chicken thighs, quick dinner, easy chicken recipe, weeknight meal, boneless chicken thighs