Description
Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs with tender juicy chicken smothered in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. Perfect for a quick and comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs (900g) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 6–8 thighs)
- 1/3 cup (80ml) honey
- 4 garlic cloves, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1/4 cup (60ml) low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels – this is crucial for achieving crispy skin. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper, focusing a bit more on the skin side. Let them rest at room temperature for 15 minutes while you prepare the honey garlic sauce.
- Step 2: Mix the Sauce In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha (if using) until well combined. This can be done ahead of time for even deeper flavor development.
- Step 3: Sear the Chicken Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and once it’s shimmering, place the chicken thighs skin-side down in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan – work in batches if needed. Let them cook undisturbed for 5-7 minutes until the skin is deeply golden and crispy. Flip and cook the other side for 3-4 minutes.
- Step 4: Drain Excess Fat Carefully pour off most of the rendered chicken fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan. This prevents your Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs from becoming too greasy while still maintaining flavor.
- Step 5: Add the Sauce Pour your honey garlic mixture into the pan around (not directly on top of) the chicken. Add the butter and allow it to melt into the sauce. Reduce heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer, occasionally spooning it over the chicken.
- Step 6: Finish Cooking Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes, basting frequently until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce has reduced to a thick, glossy glaze. If the sauce thickens too quickly, add a splash of water or chicken broth.
- Step 7: Rest and Serve Remove the pan from heat and let the Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs rest for 5 minutes, continuing to spoon the sauce over them. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 120mg