Honey Garlic Chicken is a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, offering tender chicken thighs coated in a sticky, delicious sauce made from honey and garlic. This recipe is incredibly versatile and works equally well for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With minimal ingredients and easy preparation, you’ll get an irresistible meal that feels like it came straight from a restaurant.
Whether you prefer bone-in chicken thighs for that juicy, flavorful bite or the convenience of boneless, skinless thighs, this dish delivers a satisfying, flavorful experience. Plus, the honey garlic sauce is so good, you’ll want to drizzle it over rice or vegetables for a complete meal.
Ingredients
For Chicken Thighs:
4 chicken thighs (skin-on and bone-in, or substitute with boneless skinless thighs)
2 tsp vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
¾ tsp garlic powder
For Honey Garlic Sauce:
5 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup honey
3 tbsp cold water
1 tbsp rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
½ tbsp soy sauce (regular)
2 tsp sesame oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
If using bone-in chicken thighs, debone them by turning the chicken bone side up. Carefully make small cuts around the bone with a sharp knife and remove the bone without piercing through the skin. If using skinless, boneless thighs, you can skip this step. - Season the Chicken:
Pat the chicken dry on both sides. Place the chicken thighs skin side up on a cutting board and season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Set aside. - Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, honey, cold water, rice vinegar (or white vinegar), soy sauce, and sesame oil. Stir well and set aside. - Cook the Chicken:
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, place the chicken thighs skin side down. Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the skin turns golden and crispy. For boneless, skinless thighs, reduce cooking time by 1-2 minutes. - Finish Cooking:
Flip the chicken and cook the other side for about 2 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (use a digital thermometer) or until juices run clear. - Add the Sauce:
Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce into the pan around the chicken. Let it simmer and thicken for about 30 seconds. Flip the chicken skin side down again, allowing the sauce to soak into the skin. Flip the chicken one more time to coat the other side. - Serve and Garnish:
Garnish with freshly chopped green onions. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board, slice into smaller pieces if desired, and serve.Cooking Tips- Crispy Skin: Patting the chicken dry before seasoning ensures the skin becomes extra crispy during cooking.
- Internal Temperature: Use a digital thermometer to make sure the chicken reaches 165°F, ensuring it’s fully cooked but still juicy.
- Rest the Chicken: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing; this helps retain its juices.Nutritional Benefits
- High Protein: Chicken thighs are a great source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and energy.
- Rich in Antioxidants: Garlic contains antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress and support heart health.
- Healthy Fats: Sesame oil adds a small amount of healthy fats, which can benefit cholesterol levels.
- Low in Calories: This dish is relatively low in calories compared to many fried chicken recipes, making it a great option for those looking for a lighter meal.Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple yet Flavorful: The combination of honey and garlic provides a rich, satisfying flavor without needing complicated ingredients.
- Customizable: Use bone-in or boneless thighs depending on your preference. It can also be paired with rice, quinoa, or vegetables for a full meal.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the sweet and savory taste of the sauce.
- Quick Prep: With minimal preparation and a short cooking time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Dietary Information
- Dairy-Free: This recipe is dairy-free, making it suitable for those with lactose intolerance.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free soy sauce to make this dish entirely gluten-free.
- Nut-Free: The dish contains no nuts, so it’s safe for people with nut allergies.
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of crispy chicken skin with a honey garlic sauce creates a satisfying texture contrast. The sauce thickens perfectly in the pan, coating the chicken in a glossy, flavorful glaze. Using simple pantry ingredients ensures this recipe is both easy and affordable, but still delivers complex, delicious flavors that feel like a gourmet meal.
Conclusion
Honey Garlic Chicken is a dish that effortlessly blends savory and sweet, making it an irresistible addition to your dinner rotation. With its quick preparation and comforting flavors, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you serve it with rice, veggies, or just on its own, it’s a meal that’s as satisfying as it is simple to make.
Honey Garlic Chicken
- Total Time: 20mins
Description
Honey Garlic Chicken is a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, offering tender chicken thighs coated in a sticky, delicious sauce made from honey and garlic. This recipe is incredibly versatile and works equally well for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With minimal ingredients and easy preparation, you’ll get an irresistible meal that feels like it came straight from a restaurant.
Ingredients
Units ScaleFor Chicken Thighs:
- 4 chicken thighs (skin-on and bone-in, or substitute with boneless skinless thighs)
- 2 tsp vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 3/4 tsp garlic powder
For Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tbsp cold water
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1/2 tbsp soy sauce (regular)
- 2 tsp sesame oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
If using bone-in chicken thighs, debone them by turning the chicken bone side up. Carefully make small cuts around the bone with a sharp knife and remove the bone without piercing through the skin. If using skinless, boneless thighs, you can skip this step. - Season the Chicken:
Pat the chicken dry on both sides. Place the chicken thighs skin side up on a cutting board and season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Set aside. - Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, honey, cold water, rice vinegar (or white vinegar), soy sauce, and sesame oil. Stir well and set aside. - Cook the Chicken:
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, place the chicken thighs skin side down. Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the skin turns golden and crispy. For boneless, skinless thighs, reduce cooking time by 1-2 minutes. - Finish Cooking:
Flip the chicken and cook the other side for about 2 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (use a digital thermometer) or until juices run clear. - Add the Sauce:
Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce into the pan around the chicken. Let it simmer and thicken for about 30 seconds. Flip the chicken skin side down again, allowing the sauce to soak into the skin. Flip the chicken one more time to coat the other side. - Serve and Garnish:
Garnish with freshly chopped green onions. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board, slice into smaller pieces if desired, and serve.
- Prep Time: 14mins
- Cook Time: 6mins
