This Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe is a delightful culinary experience, effortlessly blending the luscious sweetness of honey with the profound, aromatic essence of garlic. This harmonious combination elevates the succulence and tenderness of the chicken thighs, making every bite a testament to balance and flavor.

Ideal for a quick weeknight meal yet sophisticated enough for celebratory occasions, its simplicity in preparation belies the depth of taste it delivers. This dish promises to satisfy the palate with its rich flavors and easy execution, ensuring it’s a hit for both family dinners and special gatherings alike.

Ingredients Needed for This Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe

8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 2 lbs)
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

6 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)

1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
2 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons water (to form a cornstarch slurry)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)

Instructions for Making Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.

Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Add the honey, soy sauce, water, apple cider vinegar, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and bring the sauce to a simmer.
Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Pour this slurry into the skillet with the sauce, stirring continuously. Cook for a couple of minutes until the sauce thickens.
Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet and coat them with the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring the chicken is well-coated and heated through.

Garnish and Serve: Garnish the chicken with chopped parsley and sesame seeds if using. Serve the Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs hot with your choice of side, like steamed rice or vegetables.

Tips for Perfecting the Recipe

Choose the Right Chicken: Opting for boneless, skinless chicken thighs is key for this recipe. They’re juicier and more flavorful than chicken breasts. Ensure they’re roughly the same size for even cooking.

Marinate for Extra Flavor: If time allows, marinate the chicken thighs in a portion of the honey garlic sauce for at least an hour or overnight in the refrigerator. This deepens the flavors and tenderizes the chicken.

Control the Cooking Heat: When searing the chicken, ensure the skillet is hot enough so that the chicken doesn’t release too much liquid and steams instead of browning. However, once you add the garlic, lower the heat to prevent burning, which can introduce a bitter taste.

Adjust the Sweetness and Spice: Taste the sauce before adding it to the chicken and adjust the sweetness or spice to your preference. Some might prefer a spicier kick, which can be achieved by adding more red pepper flakes or a bit of hot sauce.

Thickening the Sauce: The cornstarch slurry is essential for thickening the sauce to the right consistency. If the sauce is too thin, it won’t cling to the chicken properly. Conversely, if it’s too thick, dilute it with a bit more water or chicken broth.

Let it Rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful.

Serving Suggestions

Rice: Serve the honey garlic chicken thighs over a bed of steamed white or brown rice. The rice will soak up the delicious sauce, making for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Vegetables: Pair the chicken with steamed, roasted, or sautéed vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, or a mix of bell peppers for a balanced and colorful plate.

Noodles: For an Asian-inspired twist, serve the chicken over a bed of cooked noodles, such as soba, udon, or spaghetti, tossed with a bit of the honey garlic sauce.

Salad: A light and refreshing salad, dressed with a vinaigrette that complements the sweet and savory flavors of the dish, can balance the richness of the chicken.

Bread: Offer a side of crusty bread or garlic bread to dip into the extra sauce for a heartier meal.

Storage Tips

Refrigerating: Allow the chicken to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: This dish freezes well. Place the cooled chicken thighs in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents them from sticking together, making it easier to thaw only what you need. Use within 3 months for best quality.

Reheating: Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce and prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwave it covered, with a wet paper towel over the top to keep the chicken moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but keep in mind they cook faster and can become dry if overcooked. Adjust the cooking time accordingly and consider cutting them into smaller pieces to soak up more sauce.

How can I make this dish gluten-free? Substitute the soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to make this dish gluten-free. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Is it possible to make this recipe with bone-in chicken thighs? Yes, bone-in chicken thighs can be used, but they will require a longer cooking time. Make sure to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure they’re fully cooked.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker? While this recipe is designed for stovetop cooking, it can be adapted for a slow cooker. Brown the chicken thighs before adding them to the slow cooker with the sauce ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry before serving.

How can I add more vegetables to this dish? Incorporate vegetables by adding them to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking the sauce, or roast them separately and serve as a side. Vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and snap peas can be cooked directly in the sauce, absorbing its flavors.

Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

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This Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe is a delightful culinary experience, effortlessly blending the luscious sweetness of honey with the profound, aromatic essence of garlic.

Ingredients

8 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 2 lbs)
Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil
6 cloves garlic minced
1/2 cup honey

1/4 cup soy sauce low sodium preferred
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, adjust to taste
2 tablespoons cornstarch

3 tablespoons water to form a cornstarch slurry
Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Sesame seeds for garnish, optional

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Add the honey, soy sauce, water, apple cider vinegar, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and bring the sauce to a simmer.
Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Pour this slurry into the skillet with the sauce, stirring continuously. Cook for a couple of minutes until the sauce thickens.

Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet and coat them with the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring the chicken is well-coated and heated through.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish the chicken with chopped parsley and sesame seeds if using. Serve the Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs hot with your choice of side, like steamed rice or vegetables.