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Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs feature tender, juicy chicken coated in a luscious sauce that perfectly balances sweet honey and robust garlic flavors. This quick and easy recipe delivers a crispy-skinned, flavor-packed dish ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping, with versatile options for customization and dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 46 bone-in or boneless chicken thighs, skin-on
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Sauce

  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 34 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 12 tablespoons water or broth

Cooking Fat

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

Optional Garnishes and Variations

  • Chopped parsley or green onions, for garnish
  • Red pepper flakes or sriracha, for spicy variation
  • Lemon juice or zest, for brightness

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper to enhance natural flavor and promote crispiness during cooking.
  2. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and a splash of water or broth. This combination creates a balanced sauce that brings sweet, savory, and garlicky notes.
  3. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook until the skin turns golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Flip and cook on the other side for an additional 5 minutes until nearly cooked through.
  4. Add the Sauce and Simmer: Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Reduce heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer, occasionally spooning it over the chicken. Continue until the sauce thickens and chicken is fully cooked, approximately 5-8 minutes.
  5. Finish and Serve: When the sauce becomes sticky and coats the chicken well, remove the pan from heat. Sprinkle chopped parsley or green onions on top to add fresh color and flavor before serving.

Notes

  • Dry the chicken thoroughly to ensure crispy skin.
  • Use skin-on thighs for better texture and richness.
  • Allow sauce to reduce slowly so it clings well to the chicken.
  • Turn chicken gently with tongs to keep meat juicy.
  • Let chicken rest a few minutes before serving for optimal tenderness.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey garlic chicken, chicken thighs, quick chicken recipe, easy weeknight dinner, gluten free chicken