Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Name: Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs; 2 tablespoons cornflour (or cornstarch); 0.5 teaspoon salt; 0.5 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic (finely minced); 0.33 cup honey; 0.33 cup chicken stock; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon light soy sauce; cooked rice; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (finely chopped); 0.5 teaspoon chilli flakes (optional)

Why These Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Are the Ultimate Weeknight Fix

Let’s be honest. You want dinner fast, but you also want it to taste like you tried. That’s exactly where these sticky honey garlic chicken thighs come in. Juicy, golden, and glazed in a sweet-savory sauce, they bring the flavor of your favorite takeout straight to your table, minus the wait or mystery ingredients.

Honey garlic chicken thighs served over white rice with parsley and sesame seeds — Sticky honey garlic chicken thighs served hot over rice with fresh herbs

Jump to Recipe

This honey chicken recipe uses boneless skinless chicken thighs, which stay tender and crisp beautifully. The garlic caramelizes into the honey-soy glaze, creating a sticky coating that clings to every bite. It’s the kind of dish you can throw together in 20 minutes with pantry staples and still impress someone.

If you’ve been Googling for healthy dinner recipes, easy chicken dinner ideas, or just a way to make chicken not boring again, this one’s for you. Especially if you’re over dry chicken breasts and need something with real flavor.

Next up, I’ll break down exactly what you need to make it happen.

Ingredients for Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

These are the simple ingredients that turn ordinary chicken into something crave-worthy. Every item here pulls its weight in building flavor, texture, or that signature sticky glaze.

8 boneless skinless chicken thighs
2 tablespoons cornflour or cornstarch
Half teaspoon salt
Half teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, finely minced
One third cup honey
One third cup chicken stock
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon light soy sauce

To serve

Cooked rice or steamed vegetables
Fresh parsley, chopped
Chilli flakes for heat (optional)

These amounts work well for four servings. You can easily double them if you’re planning ahead or feeding a crowd.

Up next, I’ll show you exactly how to turn these ingredients into the best honey garlic chicken thighs you’ve ever made.

How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

This recipe is fast enough for weeknights but flavorful enough to feel special. Here’s how to do it right, step by step.

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Toss them in a bowl with cornflour, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat. Once hot, place the chicken thighs in a single layer. Cook for four to five minutes on one side until golden brown. Flip and cook another two to three minutes.
Lower the heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic to the pan. Stir for a minute until fragrant but not burned.
In a small bowl, mix honey, chicken stock, rice vinegar, and soy sauce. Pour the sauce over the chicken. Bring it to a boil, then let it simmer for five to six minutes. The sauce should thicken and coat the chicken.
Serve hot with rice or greens. Top with chopped parsley and a pinch of chilli flakes if you like a kick.

That’s it. You now have tender honey garlic chicken thighs with crispy edges and a glaze that tastes like it came from your favorite Asian restaurant.

Tips for Perfect Honey Garlic Chicken

Getting this dish just right is all about timing and heat control. Here are a few tips to make sure your honey garlic chicken thighs turn out juicy, crispy, and loaded with flavor.

Start with dry chicken. Patting the thighs dry helps the cornflour stick and creates a better crust when seared.

Use a hot pan but don’t overcrowd it. Searing in batches if needed will give you that golden brown surface instead of steaming the meat.

Watch the garlic closely. Once you add it, stir quickly and reduce the heat so it softens without turning bitter.

Let the sauce bubble and reduce. A few minutes of simmering thickens the glaze naturally without needing extra starch.

For a healthy dinner recipe twist, serve it with steamed broccoli or cauliflower rice. If you want something classic, a side of fluffy jasmine rice does the trick.

This recipe is also a great base for adapting to your preferences. Whether you’re after something bold or mild, you’ve got room to make it your own.

Substitutions and Variations for Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

This recipe works beautifully as is, but you can easily adapt it based on what you have or who you’re feeding.

If you prefer leaner cuts, swap the chicken thighs for boneless skinless chicken breasts. Just slice them thin or pound them flat so they cook evenly. You can also use chicken tenders for a quicker option or shredded chicken if you’re using leftovers.

To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and check that your stock and vinegar are labeled gluten-free.

Want to go meatless? Tofu works well with this sauce. Press it dry, cube it, and pan-fry until crispy before adding the glaze.

For a sweeter or bolder twist, add a splash of orange juice or a teaspoon of sesame oil. Chili paste or fresh ginger can also bring extra heat and depth.

These swaps keep the spirit of honey garlic chicken alive while letting you make it your own.

Honey garlic chicken thighs with sesame seeds and parsley served on white rice in a bowl — Tender honey garlic chicken thighs glazed in sweet-savory sauce, garnished with sesame and parsley over rice

Looking for another easy weeknight hit? Try this* Mediterranean Chicken and Rice. It offers fresh herbs, balanced spices, and comes together just as fast.

Frequently Asked Questions About Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Can I freeze honey garlic chicken thighs?

Yes, you can freeze them once cooked. Let the chicken cool fully, then store it in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven at 180°C or 350°F until hot all the way through. The texture might change slightly, but the flavor holds up well.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely. Chicken breasts work fine if you cut them into strips or flatten them slightly. Just keep an eye on the cooking time since breast meat can dry out faster.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, it’s perfect for that. You can cook a batch, divide it into containers with rice or veggies, and store in the fridge for up to four days. It reheats well in the microwave or oven.

What should I serve it with?

Classic white rice or jasmine rice is ideal. You can also try quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a simple noodle stir-fry. For a healthier option, serve with steamed broccoli or cauliflower rice.

How do I adjust the sweetness or saltiness?

Use less honey if you prefer a milder glaze. For a lower sodium option, try reduced-salt soy sauce. Taste as you go and adjust before reducing the sauce.

Nutrition Information for Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Each serving of honey garlic chicken thighs provides a balanced mix of protein, fats, and carbs. These values are estimates based on standard ingredients and do not include rice or side dishes.

Calories: 472
Protein: 45 grams
Carbohydrates: 29 grams
Sugar: 24 grams
Fat: 19 grams
Saturated Fat: 10 grams
Cholesterol: 223 milligrams
Sodium: 804 milligrams
Fiber: 1 gram

To make it lighter, reduce the honey slightly and pair it with a low-carb side like steamed vegetables or cauliflower rice. This keeps it within the range of healthy chicken recipes while still being satisfying.

Still hungry? Next time, try this* Creamy Chicken and Rice. It’s the perfect follow-up to honey garlic chicken with just as much comfort in every bite.

Close-up of honey garlic chicken thighs glazed with sauce and sesame seeds over steamed rice — Golden honey garlic chicken thighs topped with sesame seeds and parsley on a bed of white rice

Final Thoughts on Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

When you need something fast, comforting, and full of flavor, these honey garlic chicken thighs deliver. They hit the sweet and savory notes just right and take almost no time to make. Whether you’re cooking for the family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something better than takeout, this dish is a solid go-to.

Try it once and you’ll see why it belongs in your rotation of easy chicken dinner recipes. If you tweak it or pair it with something creative, don’t forget to leave a comment or share your version. Great recipes only get better when more people make them their own.

Emily Wilson

Sticky, sweet, and savory honey garlic chicken thighs made in just 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, healthy dinners, or meal prep.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian, Chinese-inspired

Servings 4 bowls

Calories 472 kcal

Equipment

Skillet

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

8 boneless skinless chicken thighs
2 tablespoons cornflour or cornstarch
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic finely minced
0.33 cup honey
0.33 cup chicken stock
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon light soy sauce

To Serve

cooked rice
1 tablespoon fresh parsley finely chopped
0.5 teaspoon chilli flakes optional

Instructions

Place the chicken thighs in a bowl. Add cornflour, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over high heat. Sear chicken thighs until golden on one side, about 4 to 5 minutes. Flip and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes.
Lower the heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic. Stir until fragrant, about 1 minute.
In a small bowl, combine honey, chicken stock, rice vinegar, and soy sauce. Stir well, then pour over the chicken.
Bring the sauce to a boil. Let it simmer until it thickens and coats the chicken, about 5 to 6 minutes.
Serve hot over rice. Garnish with chopped parsley and chilli flakes if desired.

Notes

Pat the chicken dry before dredging to help it crisp. To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)