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Quick Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

quick sticky honey garlic chicken thighs - featured image

A quick and easy 20-minute dinner recipe featuring tender chicken thighs coated in a rich, sticky honey garlic sauce that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds / 700 grams)
  • 1/4 cup honey (85 grams)
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (preferably low-sodium)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup water (60 ml)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh green onions, chopped (for garnish)
  • Toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides lightly with salt and pepper. (5 minutes)
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of oil. Let it get hot until it shimmers but does not smoke. (2 minutes)
  3. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Cook undisturbed for 6-7 minutes until the skin is golden and crisp. Flip and cook the other side for 4 minutes. (10-11 minutes)
  4. Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic to the pan. Stir quickly for about 30 seconds without burning.
  5. Add honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, water, and red pepper flakes (if using). Spoon the sauce over the chicken and let it simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, basting the chicken occasionally to coat evenly. (4 minutes)
  6. Remove from heat, garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately over steamed rice or your favorite greens.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before cooking to ensure crispy skin. Stir garlic quickly to avoid burning. If sauce thickens too fast or burns, add a splash of water and reduce heat. Cook chicken in batches if pan is overcrowded. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Optional spicy kick by adding Sriracha or chili paste.

Nutrition

Keywords: quick dinner, honey garlic chicken, chicken thighs, sticky sauce, easy recipe, weeknight meal, 20-minute dinner