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Easy Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe for Perfect Dinner

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This easy sticky honey garlic chicken thighs recipe transforms simple chicken thighs into a sticky, sweet, garlicky comfort food perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds / 900 grams)
  • 1/4 cup (85 grams) honey
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) low sodium soy sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) rice vinegar
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) water
  • 2 teaspoons (6 grams) cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil or vegetable oil
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional garnishes: sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to get crispy skin. Season both sides with freshly ground black pepper.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of olive or vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, place the chicken skin-side down. Cook undisturbed for about 6-7 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip and cook the other side for 4 minutes. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup (85 g) honey, 1/3 cup (80 ml) soy sauce, 4 cloves minced garlic, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) rice vinegar, and 1/3 cup (80 ml) water.
  4. Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits left from the chicken. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes until fragrant.
  5. Mix 2 teaspoons (6 g) cornstarch with 2 tablespoons (30 ml) cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Slowly whisk this into the simmering sauce. Stir constantly and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to a sticky glaze consistency.
  6. Nestle the browned chicken thighs back into the sauce skin-side up. Spoon sauce over the top. Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  7. Remove the lid and cook for another 2 minutes uncovered to crisp the skin again if needed. Sprinkle sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken dry for crispy skin. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. Adjust heat carefully to avoid burning honey. Make cornstarch slurry fresh and add slowly to avoid lumps. Use a thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water to loosen. Leftovers store well up to 3 days refrigerated and freeze well up to 2 months.

Nutrition

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