Description

A quick, one-pan weeknight dinner featuring juicy chicken thighs coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory honey garlic glaze. Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds (900g) chicken thighs (boneless, skinless or bone-in, skin-on)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
0.5 teaspoon cracked black pepper
2 tablespoons neutral oil (avocado or vegetable)
6–8 cloves garlic, minced
0.5 cup (120ml) honey
0.25 cup (60ml) soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger (or 0.5 teaspoon ground)
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons water
Toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Sliced green onions for garnish
Steamed rice or noodles for serving

Instructions

Pat chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken in a single layer for 5-6 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes. Remove chicken to a plate.
Reduce heat to medium. Whisk together minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic powder, ginger, red pepper flakes, and water in a small bowl.
Pour the glaze mixture into the same skillet and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to thicken slightly.
Return chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the glaze. Spoon glaze over the top, cover with a lid, and simmer for 5-7 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Uncover and simmer for another 1-2 minutes, spooning glaze over chicken repeatedly until the sauce is sticky and glossy. Add a splash of water if the glaze becomes too thick or burns.
Transfer chicken to a serving platter, spoon remaining glaze over the top, and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry is crucial for proper browning; wet chicken will steam. Do not overcrowd the pan when searing to ensure a good crust. Honey burns easily, so keep heat at medium or medium-low once the glaze is added. For a spicy version, add sriracha or gochujang. For a vegetarian swap, use firm tofu or seitan.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 chicken thighs per
Calories: 380
Sugar: 24
Sodium: 650
Fat: 14
Saturated Fat: 3
Carbohydrates: 28
Protein: 32

Keywords: honey garlic chicken, chicken thighs, weeknight dinner, one pan meal, easy chicken recipe, sticky chicken, gluten-free option, meal prep