Print

Easy 30-Minute Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe

honey garlic chicken thighs - featured image
Print Recipe

This easy 30-minute honey garlic chicken thighs recipe features tender, juicy chicken in a sticky, glossy sauce that’s equal parts sweet, savory, and garlicky. Perfect for busy weeknights, it comes together faster than takeout and uses simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/3 cup (110ml) honey
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) low-sodium soy sauce
  • 6–8 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water (for slurry)
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil or vegetable oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, red pepper flakes for garnish

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Trim any excess fat if needed.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Set aside. In another small bowl, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water until smooth.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add avocado oil. Heat until oil shimmers, about 2 minutes.
  4. Place chicken thighs in the hot pan, presentation-side down. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
  5. Transfer seared chicken to a plate. Do not wipe out the pan.
  6. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add chopped garlic to the pan and stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  7. Pour honey-soy mixture into the pan, scraping up browned bits. Let simmer for 1 minute, stirring occasionally.
  8. Return chicken to the pan, spooning sauce over the tops. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
  9. Remove chicken from pan. Stir cornstarch slurry, then pour into simmering sauce. Whisk constantly for 30-60 seconds until sauce thickens to a glossy, syrupy consistency.
  10. Return chicken to pan, turning to coat in sauce. Warm through for 1 minute. Transfer to a platter, spoon remaining sauce over top, and garnish as desired.

Notes

Pat chicken dry for best sear. Don’t rush the sear; let crust develop naturally. Watch garlic carefully to avoid burning. Don’t skip cornstarch slurry for glossy sauce. Let chicken rest between steps. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Double sauce if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey garlic chicken, chicken thighs, 30-minute meal, weeknight dinner, easy chicken recipe, sticky chicken, garlic chicken

Find it online: https://lindabake.com/easy-30-minute-honey-garlic-chicken-thighs-recipe/