Why Make This Recipe
Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs are a tasty and easy meal that everyone can love. The sweet and savory sauce combines perfectly with juicy chicken, creating a dish that’s great for any weeknight dinner. This recipe is not only simple to prepare but also requires just a few ingredients, making it a must-try for busy cooks.
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs (or bone-in for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup honey (the thick, sticky backbone of the sauce)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is best for that bold aroma)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (regular or low sodium)
- 2 tablespoons vinegar (rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar for brightness)
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (for cooking)
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (for nuttiness)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for heat, optional)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (for warmth, optional)
Directions:
Preparation:
- Start by marinating the chicken. In a bowl, combine honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and ginger. Mix well.
- Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and coat them thoroughly. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes, or longer if you have time. This will help the flavors soak in.
Cooking:
- Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the marinated chicken thighs to the skillet, cooking for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- During cooking, spoon some of the sauce over the chicken for extra flavor.
- Once cooked, let the thighs rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps keep them juicy.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside steamed vegetables. Drizzle any remaining sauce from the skillet over the top for added flavor. This dish goes well with a simple green salad or stir-fried noodles, making it versatile for any meal.
How to Store Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Let any leftovers cool down before storing them. Place the chicken in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken. Be sure to wrap it tightly or use a freezer-safe bag, and it will last up to 3 months.
Tips to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
- For even more flavor, you can add chopped green onions or sesame seeds as a garnish when serving.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let the marinade cook down for a few extra minutes after the chicken is done. This will help it become syrupy and rich.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes based on your heat preference. You can leave them out entirely for a milder dish.
Variation
If you want to change up the flavors, you can add different herbs like thyme or rosemary during the marinating process. You could also try using different types of vinegar to switch up the taste from sweet to tangy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they may dry out more quickly. Be sure to monitor the cooking time closely.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?
Marinating is not strictly necessary but it adds a lot of flavor. If you are short on time, you can skip this step and cook the chicken right away.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken a day ahead and keep it in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, just sauté it as instructed.
Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
For the marinade
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs or bone-in for extra flavor
- 1/2 cup honey the thick, sticky backbone of the sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced fresh is best for that bold aroma
- 1/4 cup soy sauce regular or low sodium
- 2 tablespoons vinegar rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar for brightness
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil for cooking
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil for nuttiness
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat, optional
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger for warmth, optional
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, combine honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and ginger. Mix well.
- Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and coat them thoroughly. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes, or longer if you have time.
Cooking
- Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the marinated chicken thighs to the skillet, cooking for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- During cooking, spoon some of the sauce over the chicken for extra flavor.
- Once cooked, let the thighs rest for a few minutes before serving.
