honey garlic chicken thighs

These Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs are sticky, sweet, savory, and take less than 30 minutes from start to finish. The combination of seared chicken, caramelized garlic, soy sauce, and sweet honey creates an irresistible pan sauce that clings to every bite.

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:
  • 1.5 to 2 lbs (approx. 700–900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
  • ⅓ cup honey
  • ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 6 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons chicken broth (or warm water)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice, to balance the sweetness)
• Optional Garnish:
  • Sesame seeds
  • Chopped green onions / scallions

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Season the Chicken

• Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels (this helps get a golden sear).
• Season both sides generously with salt, cracked black pepper, and garlic powder.

2. Whisk the Sauce

• In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, chicken broth, and apple cider vinegar until completely combined. Set aside.

3. Sear the Chicken

• Heat the oil in a large skillet (cast iron works brilliantly) over medium-high heat.
• Add the chicken thighs in a single layer (cook in batches if your pan is small so you don’t overcrowd it).
• Sear for 5 to 6 minutes on the first side without moving them, until golden-brown and crispy. Flip and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes on the second side.

4. Build the Sticky Pan Sauce

• Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the pan, letting it melt around the chicken.
• Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce directly over and around the chicken.

5. Simmer and Glaze

• Bring the sauce to a bubbling simmer. Cook for another 3 to 5 minutes, using a spoon to continuously baste the tops of the chicken thighs with the sauce as it thickens and caramelizes.
• The chicken is fully cooked when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) on a meat thermometer.

6. Garnish and Serve

• Remove from heat. Sprinkle with fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
• Spoon the remaining sticky glaze from the pan over the chicken when serving!

Perfect Side Dishes

• Steamed Jasmine or Basmati Rice: Excellent for soaking up the extra sweet-and-savory glaze.
• Garlic Green Beans or Steamed Broccoli: Adds a crisp, fresh contrast to the rich pan sauce.
• Mashed Potatoes: Pair wonderfully with the sweet garlic reduction.