Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe

A sweet and savory glaze locks in moisture for a perfectly tender dinner every time.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 17, 2025

A sweet and savory glaze locks in moisture for a perfectly tender dinner every time.

Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs: A Simple yet Flavorful Recipe

This recipe is a great introduction to the dark side of chicken—using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs to achieve a richer, more flavorful dish. While boneless, skinless chicken can be used, you’ll find that bone-in, skin-on chicken retains moisture and offers a more satisfying texture. The combination of honey, garlic, soy sauce, and other ingredients creates a sweet and savory sauce that elevates this dish to a new level.

Why Choose Chicken Thighs?

Chicken thighs are a staple for many home cooks due to their affordability and versatility. They are perfect for weeknight meals, as they’re quick to cook and packed with flavor. The bone-in, skin-on variety adds a crispy texture to the dish, which pairs well with the smooth, sweet sauce.

Ingredients

1/3 cup honey
2 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 1/2 pounds)
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
3 Tbsp olive oil
6 garlic cloves, minced
Cilantro, for serving
Steamed white rice, for serving

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F.
Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes, if using. Set aside.
Season the Chicken: Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Place the flour in a shallow dish and dredge both sides of the thighs in the flour, shaking off any excess.
Sear the Chicken: Heat the oil in an oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken, skin-side down, and cook until golden, about 4 to 6 minutes. Flip, then add the garlic to the pan around the chicken. Let it cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Bake in the Oven: Pour the honey mixture over the top and around the chicken. Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast until the chicken is cooked through and registers 165°F on an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a thigh, about 15 minutes.
Reduce the Sauce: Transfer the chicken to a platter to rest. Bring the sauce in the skillet to a simmer over medium heat and cook until reduced and thickened, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Serve: Spoon the reduced sauce over the chicken and sprinkle with cilantro. Serve with rice.

Can You Use Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe. They cook faster, so reduce the searing time to 3 to 4 minutes and check the internal temperature after 10 minutes of roasting in the oven.

What Kind of Skillet Do You Need?

An oven-proof skillet is essential for this recipe. Both stainless steel and cast-iron skillets work well. If you don’t have an oven-proof skillet, you can transfer the chicken and sauce to a baking dish before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the best way to store leftover honey garlic chicken thighs?

A: Store leftover chicken thighs in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

A: Yes, you can add vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or broccoli to the skillet with the garlic. They will cook alongside the chicken and absorb some of the flavorful sauce.

Q: How can I make this recipe spicier?

A: You can increase the heat by adding more red pepper flakes or experimenting with different types of hot sauce in the sauce mixture.

Conclusion

This honey garlic chicken thighs recipe is a versatile and delicious option for any meal. The combination of sweet and savory flavors makes it a favorite among family and friends. Whether you’re using bone-in, skin-on or boneless, skinless chicken thighs, the result will be a mouthwateringly good dish that’s sure to please.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

Read full bio of medha deb