Name: Honey Garlic Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: ¼ cup soy sauce; ½ cup honey; 2 teaspoons sesame oil; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon grated ginger; 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs; 3 tablespoons olive or avocado oil, separated; 1½ teaspoons kosher salt; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon onion powder; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 1 tablespoon water; Optional garnish: chopped cilantro and green onions

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in about 35 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Flavorful Sauce: The combination of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger creates a delectable glaze.
Versatile: Pairs well with various sides like rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.
Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will enjoy.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

¼ cup soy sauce
½ cup honey
2 teaspoons sesame oil
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated ginger
6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
3 tablespoons olive or avocado oil, separated
1½ teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon onion powder
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon water
Chopped cilantro and green onions for garnish (optional)

Directions

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Set aside.
Season Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of oil and rub with kosher salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and onion powder.
Sear Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for about 3 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip and sear the other side for an additional 2 minutes.
Add Sauce: Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce over the chicken in the skillet.
Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Thicken Sauce: Remove the chicken from the skillet and place the skillet over medium heat. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Add to the skillet and stir until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
Serve: Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over the top, garnish with chopped cilantro and green onions if desired, and serve.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

Boneless Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts for a leaner option; adjust cooking time accordingly.
Spicier Kick: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with tofu or cauliflower florets; adjust cooking time as needed.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

What can I serve with honey garlic chicken?

Steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles pair well, along with steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or snap peas.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and cook when ready.

Is it necessary to use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs?

While bone-in, skin-on thighs provide more flavor and a crispy texture, you can use boneless, skinless thighs or breasts if preferred.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

Ensure you add the cornstarch slurry and simmer the sauce until it reaches the desired consistency.

Can I grill the chicken instead of baking?

Yes, you can grill the chicken after searing. Baste with the sauce during grilling and ensure it’s cooked through.

Is there a substitute for sesame oil?

If unavailable, you can omit sesame oil or replace it with a neutral oil, though the flavor profile will change slightly.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Can I freeze the cooked chicken?

Yes, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?

After searing, transfer the chicken and sauce to a baking dish to continue cooking in the oven.

Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Yes, adding vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas can enhance the dish; add them during the baking process.

Conclusion

This Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, offering a satisfying meal that’s both easy to prepare and sure to impress. Whether you’re cooking for family or guests, this dish is a versatile and delicious choice that pairs well with various sides.

Honey Garlic Chicken

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Julia
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

This Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is a quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring juicy chicken thighs in a sticky, savory-sweet glaze made with honey, garlic, soy sauce, and ginger. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s a flavorful, family-friendly dish that pairs perfectly with rice, noodles, or vegetables.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Whisk soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, garlic, and ginger in a bowl. Set aside.
Pat chicken dry and rub with 1 tbsp oil, salt, garlic powder, pepper, and onion powder.
In an oven-safe skillet, heat 2 tbsp oil over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs skin-side down for 3 minutes, then flip and sear another 2 minutes.
Pour the sauce over the chicken.
Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 20–25 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Remove chicken. Mix cornstarch with water, stir into sauce over medium heat until thickened (2–3 minutes).
Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over, garnish, and serve.