This honey garlic chicken thigh recipe is a staple in my kitchen, and for good reason! The chicken comes out incredibly juicy, coated in a thick, glossy sauce that’s the perfect mix of sweet and savory. The rich honey and garlic glaze is so flavorful that I find myself wanting to drizzle it over everything. It’s one of those dishes that’s simple to make but tastes like something special every time!

Recipe

I love that this recipe is simple but full of flavor. The sauce thickens beautifully as it cooks, turning into a rich glaze that clings to the tender chicken. And the best part? There’s plenty of extra sauce to drizzle over rice and veggies.

Whether you’re craving something soft and juicy, this dish delivers. It’s quick to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for a weeknight dinner. Plus, if you’re like me and love meal prep, you can double the batch and have delicious leftovers ready to go.

Every time I make this, I can’t wait to dig in, just a plate of sticky, caramelized chicken, fluffy rice, and maybe some roasted broccoli on the side. It’s comfort food at its best!

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⭐Why You'll Love This Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
🧾Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Ingredients
👩🏻‍🍳How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
🍽 What to Serve with Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
💭Tips for Recipe Success
🍛More Chicken Recipes to Try!
🍛More Dinner Recipes!
📖 Recipe
💬 Comments

⭐Why You'll Love This Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

It’s Super Easy: No fancy ingredients or tricky steps, just simple, everyday stuff that comes together fast. Perfect for a quick, stress-free meal!
That Crispy, Juicy Chicken: The light flour coating gives the chicken a beautiful golden crust while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Every bite is packed with flavor!
The Sauce is Pure Magic: Sweet honey, garlicky goodness, a little tang from apple cider vinegar, and just the right touch of soy sauce for balance. It’s sticky, rich, and absolutely delicious!
Cooks in One Pan: Fewer dishes, more flavor! Everything happens in the same pan, so you get maximum taste with minimum cleanup.
Leftovers Taste Amazing: If you somehow don’t finish it all (which is rare!), just reheat it and the flavors get even better.

🧾Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Ingredients

Here’s the breakdown of what’s in this honey garlic chicken thighs recipe:

Chicken Thighs: I always go for boneless, skinless chicken thighs because they’re so juicy and tender. Plus, they cook quickly and have more flavor than chicken breasts, which is exactly what I want in a dish like this.
Salt & Pepper: Simple but essential. These basic seasonings make everything taste better. The salt brings out the natural flavors of the chicken, and the pepper adds just the right amount of kick.
Flour: I use flour to give the chicken a crispy coating without making it too heavy. It helps the sauce stick to the chicken and gives it a nice golden color when I cook it.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: I love using extra virgin olive oil for searing the chicken. It’s a healthier fat, and it adds a mild richness that blends so well with the other flavors.
Butter: A tablespoon of unsalted butter gives the sauce that smooth, buttery richness I crave. It makes the sauce feel luxurious and balances out the sweetness of the honey.
Garlic: Garlic is a must in this dish for that bold, savory aroma. It adds depth and makes the sauce come alive. I love how it makes the kitchen smell while I’m cooking!
Apple Cider Vinegar: I like to add a little tang with apple cider vinegar. It cuts through the sweetness of the honey and adds a bright, fresh flavor that makes everything come together.
Soy Sauce: The light soy sauce adds that savory umami flavor I love, plus a bit of saltiness that balances the sweetness in the sauce. It brings everything together perfectly.
Honey: And of course, honey is the star of the show. It makes the sauce sticky, sweet, and irresistible. I love how it caramelizes and creates a beautiful glaze on the chicken.

See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

👩🏻‍🍳How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

These step-by-step instructions and photos will help you to visualize how to make this recipe. See the recipe card for a printable version of this recipe.

1. Pat the chicken dry, then season with salt and pepper. Lightly coat with flour, shaking off any extra. Cook for 4 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for 2 more minutes.

2. Reduce heat to medium, add 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon butter, and garlic, then sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Stir in vinegar, soy sauce, and honey. Simmer for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Flip the chicken, simmer until thickened, and coat in honey garlic sauce.

🍽 What to Serve with Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

When I make honey garlic chicken thighs, I love serving them with rice because it soaks up all that tasty sauce. Sometimes, I switch it up with garlic butter noodles or mashed potatoes for extra comfort. Roasted veggies like broccoli or Brussels sprouts add a nice crunch, while a fresh cucumber salad or tomato salad balances the sweetness. And for dessert, I like to keep it light with something like a lemon mousse or lemon posset, it’s the perfect sweet finish after a flavorful meal!

💭Tips for Recipe Success

Pat the Chicken Dry First: This helps the chicken get a nice golden crust instead of steaming in the pan. A dry surface means better browning and more flavor!

Don’t Burn the Garlic: Garlic cooks fast, so only sauté it for about 1 minute before adding the sauce. Burnt garlic can make the whole dish taste bitter.

Let the Sauce Thicken, But Not Too Much: The honey makes the sauce thicken quickly. If it gets too sticky, just add a splash of water to keep it smooth and glossy.

Coat the Chicken Well in the Sauce: Once the sauce is ready, flip the chicken a few times to make sure every piece is covered in that sweet, savory goodness. This is what makes it so delicious!

Storage: Store leftover honey garlic chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days or freeze them for up to three months, reheating gently before serving.