Why Make This Recipe
Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs are a delightful dish that combines sweet and savory flavors, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option. This recipe is easy to prepare and uses simple ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. The sticky honey glaze pairs beautifully with the tender chicken, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish is sure to impress.
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs (or bone-in for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup honey (the thick, sticky backbone of the sauce)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is best for that bold aroma)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (regular or low sodium)
- 2 tablespoons vinegar (rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar for brightness)
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (for cooking)
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (for nuttiness)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for heat, optional)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (for warmth, optional)
Directions:
Preparation: Start by marinating the chicken thighs. In a bowl, mix honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and let them soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to a few hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
Cooking: Heat a tablespoon of neutral oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken thighs, reserving the marinade for later. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and golden brown. Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet, and bring it to a simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Serve the honey garlic chicken thighs hot from the skillet. They pair beautifully with steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, or a fresh salad. Drizzle any leftover sauce over the chicken for extra flavor. You can also garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added texture and presentation.
How to Store Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
To store leftovers, let the chicken cool completely. Then, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
- For extra flavor, consider using bone-in chicken thighs instead of boneless.
- If you like a bit of crunch, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
- Adjust the sweetness of the sauce by adding more or less honey based on your preference.
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe by adding vegetables to the marinade. Bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas can be tossed into the skillet during cooking for a complete meal. Additionally, feel free to swap out the soy sauce for tamari for a gluten-free option.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
You can thicken the sauce by simmering it longer, or by adding a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to the sauce while it cooks.
What can I serve with Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs?
This dish pairs well with rice, noodles, or a fresh side salad. Steamed vegetables or stir-fried greens also make great accompaniments!
Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs Or bone-in for extra flavor
- 1/2 cup honey The thick, sticky backbone of the sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced Fresh is best for bold aroma
- 1/4 cup soy sauce Regular or low sodium
- 2 tablespoons vinegar Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar for brightness
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil For cooking
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil For nuttiness
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes For heat, optional
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger For warmth, optional
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, mix honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and let them soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to a few hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
Cooking
- Heat a tablespoon of neutral oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once hot, add the marinated chicken thighs, reserving the marinade for later.
- Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and golden brown.
- Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet, and bring it to a simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.