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Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs in 30 Minutes

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These sticky honey garlic chicken thighs are a quick and easy weeknight dinner, ready in just 30 minutes. With a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results using simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds total)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
  • Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
  • Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Let sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.
  3. In a separate small bowl, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water until smooth. Set aside.
  4. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Heat until the oil shimmers, about 2 minutes.
  5. Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet. Cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
  6. Flip the chicken using tongs and cook for another 4-5 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a plate.
  7. Pour the honey garlic sauce into the hot skillet. Stir to scrape up any browned bits. Let simmer for about 1 minute.
  8. Stir the cornstarch slurry, then pour it into the simmering sauce. Stir constantly for 30 seconds to 1 minute until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  9. Return the chicken to the skillet, skin-side up. Spoon sauce over the tops. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5-7 minutes.
  10. Check for doneness: internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part, or juices run clear when cut.
  11. Remove from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve immediately over rice or with vegetables.

Notes

Don’t rush the searing step for crispy skin. Stir the cornstarch slurry constantly to avoid clumps. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools. If the sauce becomes too thick before the chicken is done, add a tablespoon of water at a time. For extra sauce, double the sauce ingredients and simmer longer.

Nutrition

Keywords: sticky honey garlic chicken, honey garlic chicken thighs, 30 minute chicken, easy chicken dinner, weeknight chicken, Asian chicken thighs

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