Sticky Sweet Honey Garlic Chicken

These Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs are not only delicious but are also easy to whip up for a cozy family dinner. Imagine tender chicken thighs bathed in a sweet and savory sauce made from honey and garlic. With just a handful of ingredients and less than 30 minutes of cooking time, this dish will quickly become a family favorite.

When I first made these Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs, I was transported back to my childhood kitchen, where the savory aroma of garlic filled the air every Sunday. Cooking for my family is always a joy, and this recipe brings that warmth and comfort right back. The balance of sweet honey and that punchy garlic is a magical combination that appeals to everyone, even picky eaters.

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Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Tender chicken thighs coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, perfect for a cozy family dinner.

  • Author: anytimesrecipegmail-com
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Skillet Cooking
  • Cuisine: Asian
  • Diet: Gluten-free

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 (5-ounce) boneless chicken thighs
  • Salt and ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, or as needed
  • 0.5 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 7 cloves garlic, chopped, or to taste
  • 1 cup honey
  • 0.5 cup soy sauce
  • 1 pinch onion powder, or to taste
  • 1 pinch garlic powder, or to taste
  • 0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Gather all your ingredients.
  2. Season the chicken thighs on both sides with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and brown it on one side for about 3 to 5 minutes.
  4. Flip the chicken and add the chopped onion and garlic. Continue to cook until the chicken is almost cooked through and the onion and garlic are soft, about 5 to 7 minutes more. Remove the chicken to a plate.
  5. In the same skillet, add honey, soy sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir and scrape up any bits from the bottom of the pan.
  6. Return the chicken to the skillet, cover, and reduce the heat to medium. Cook until no longer pink in the center, about 10 more minutes, turning once halfway through.
  7. Arrange the chicken on a serving plate and drizzle the sauce on top. Sprinkle with cilantro.
  8. Enjoy your delicious meal!

Notes

For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate in the honey and soy sauce mixture for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Pair with rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple side salad.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 35g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

A warm hug from my kitchen to yours. Hope this dish brings you Joy 🙂

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs dish is perfect for anyone looking for a quick, tasty meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. With just eight ingredients, it’s simple yet delivers a robust flavor that your family will rave about. Plus, chicken thighs stay juicy and flavorful, making them a great choice for a satisfying dinner.

How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Ingredients:

  • 8 (5-ounce) boneless chicken thighs
  • Salt and ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, or as needed
  • 0.5 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 7 cloves garlic, chopped, or to taste
  • 1 cup honey
  • 0.5 cup soy sauce
  • 1 pinch onion powder, or to taste
  • 1 pinch garlic powder, or to taste
  • 0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Directions:

  1. Gather all your ingredients.
  2. Season the chicken thighs on both sides with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and brown it on one side for about 3 to 5 minutes.
  4. Flip the chicken and add the chopped onion and garlic. Continue to cook until the chicken is almost cooked through and the onion and garlic are soft, about 5 to 7 minutes more. Remove the chicken to a plate.
  5. In the same skillet, add honey, soy sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir and scrape up any bits from the bottom of the pan.
  6. Return the chicken to the skillet, cover, and reduce the heat to medium. Cook until no longer pink in the center, about 10 more minutes, turning once halfway through. The internal temperature should be at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
  7. Arrange the chicken on a serving plate and drizzle the sauce on top. Sprinkle with cilantro.
  8. Enjoy your delicious meal!

Serving Suggestions for Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Pair these flavorful thighs with fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up that delicious sauce. A simple side salad or steamed veggies would also complement the meal perfectly. Serving this dish with warm bread is a comforting addition too!

How to Store Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will continue to deepen, making it a tasty option for lunch or dinner the next day. You can also freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Just reheat the thighs in the oven or on the stovetop to retain their juiciness.

Tips to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Even Better

  • For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate in the honey and soy sauce mixture for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
  • If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce!
  • To make cleanup easier, line your baking dish with parchment paper if you decide to bake the chicken.

Variations to Try

  • Substitute chicken breasts for a leaner option, but you may need to adjust the cooking time as breasts can dry out more quickly.
  • Add veggies like bell peppers or snap peas to the skillet for a one-pan meal.
  • For a sweeter twist, sprinkle some sesame seeds over the chicken just before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use skin-on chicken thighs instead?

Absolutely! Skin-on chicken thighs will render more flavor, but be sure to adjust the cooking time for extra crispy skin.

2. What if I don’t have soy sauce?

You can substitute with tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a lighter flavor.

3. How can I make this dish in advance?

You can prepare the marinade and chicken the night before to let the flavors infuse, then cook it when you’re ready to eat.

Now that you’ve read through this recipe, I hope you’re ready to savor every bite of Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs! Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special family gathering, this dish promises comfort and joy right at your table. Enjoy!