Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
There’s nothing quite like a meal that fills the house with an irresistible aroma and brings the whole family running to the table. These Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs do just that. I first made this recipe on a whim when I needed a quick but flavorful dinner that didn’t require a long grocery list. It turned out to be an instant hit! The combination of crispy, golden-brown chicken and a sticky, sweet-savory sauce is pure magic.
What I love most about this recipe is its perfect balance of flavors—the honey brings natural sweetness, the garlic adds a deep savoriness, and the soy sauce rounds everything out with an umami depth. It’s also incredibly easy to prepare and uses pantry staples, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights. Whether you serve it with rice, roasted veggies, or a simple salad, these chicken thighs never disappoint.
I knew this dish was a keeper when my family kept requesting it again and again. My kids love the slightly caramelized, sticky glaze, and my husband always comments on how tender and juicy the chicken is. I also appreciate that this recipe is foolproof—just a few simple steps and you have restaurant-quality chicken at home! If you’re looking for a flavor-packed, easy dinner idea, this Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe is the one to try.
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but keep in mind that chicken breasts tend to dry out faster. If you use them, adjust the cooking time and consider marinating them for extra moisture.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken in the sauce for a few hours or even overnight for deeper flavor. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the glaze.
Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
You can swap regular soy sauce for a low-sodium version and use olive oil instead of butter. Additionally, honey can be replaced with a sugar-free alternative like monk fruit syrup.
Can I cook this in the oven instead of a skillet?
Absolutely! Bake the chicken thighs at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes, basting with the sauce occasionally to keep them juicy.
How do I store leftovers?
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over low heat to preserve the glaze’s texture.
What You Need to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Ingredients:
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup honey
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp paprika
Special Equipment:
Large skillet or cast-iron pan
Tongs for flipping
Meat thermometer (optional but helpful)
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides.
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for about 5-7 minutes until golden and crispy.
Flip the chicken and cook for another 5 minutes, then remove from the pan.
Melt the butter in the same pan, then add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Stir in honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar, letting the sauce simmer for a minute.
Return the chicken to the pan, spooning the sauce over it. Reduce heat to low and let it cook for another 5 minutes until fully cooked (internal temp should reach 165°F/75°C).
Serve hot, drizzling extra sauce over the top!
Tips for Making the Best Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Pat the chicken dry before seasoning for a crispier skin.
Don’t overcrowd the pan—give the chicken space to sear properly.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure juicy, perfectly cooked chicken.
For extra caramelization, broil the chicken for a minute at the end.
Pair with rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Reader Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Juicy and full of flavor! I made this for dinner, and my family LOVED it! The sauce is so rich and delicious. Definitely making this again! – Amanda
⭐⭐⭐⭐ “A great weeknight meal. Super easy to make, and the flavors were spot on. Next time, I might add a little chili for heat. – Jake
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Best chicken thighs I’ve ever made. I can’t get over how crispy the skin was! This will be a regular recipe in my home. – Sophia
⭐⭐⭐ “Good but a bit sweet for my taste. The chicken was great, but I might cut back on the honey next time. Still a solid recipe! – Mark
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Perfect balance of sweet and savory. My husband isn’t a big fan of sweet dishes, but he loved this one. Will be making it again soon! – Rachel
Printable Recipe
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Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Crispy, juicy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs coated in a sweet and savory glaze. This easy one-pan recipe is perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner that the whole family will love!
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Special Equipment:
- Large skillet or cast-iron pan
- Tongs for flipping
- Meat thermometer (optional but helpful)
Instructions
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for about 5-7 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Flip the chicken and cook for another 5 minutes, then remove from the pan.
- Melt the butter in the same pan, then add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar, letting the sauce simmer for a minute.
- Return the chicken to the pan, spooning the sauce over it. Reduce heat to low and let it cook for another 5 minutes until fully cooked (internal temp should reach 165°F/75°C).
- Serve hot, drizzling extra sauce over the top!
If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it on your social media! I would love for more people to try this delicious and easy-to-make recipe. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you! Shhh… Join our secret foodie group on Facebook
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