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Easy Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe

sticky honey garlic chicken thighs - featured image

This sticky honey garlic chicken thighs recipe is quick, easy, and made with simple pantry ingredients. The sweet and savory glaze is absolutely irresistible, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/3 cup (110g) honey
  • 1/3 cup (80ml) soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
  • 45 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
  • 23 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil (avocado or canola)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. In another small bowl, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water until smooth.
  3. Heat neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan; stir constantly for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Pour the honey-soy sauce mixture into the pan, scraping up browned bits. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for about 2 minutes.
  6. Stir the cornstarch slurry, then pour into the simmering sauce while whisking constantly. Cook for 30-60 seconds until thickened and glossy.
  7. Return chicken to the pan, spoon sauce over the tops, and simmer for 2-3 minutes, turning once, until the sauce is a thick, sticky glaze.
  8. Remove from heat, let rest for 1-2 minutes, then garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds.

Notes

Don’t skip patting the chicken dry for a good sear. Watch the garlic carefully to avoid burning. Use low heat for the sauce to prevent burning the honey. Double the sauce if you love extra glaze. Let the chicken rest in the sauce off the heat for a few minutes to set the glaze.

Nutrition

Keywords: sticky honey garlic chicken, honey garlic chicken thighs, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, one-pan chicken