Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs (Sweet & Savory Dinner Idea)
A quick and flavorful dinner idea featuring juicy chicken thighs coated in a sticky honey garlic glaze. Perfect for weeknights, this dish combines sweet and savory flavors with minimal prep.
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Active Time20 minutes mins
Resting Time5 minutes mins
Total Time35 minutes mins
Course: Dinner Recipes, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Asian-Inspired
Keyword: easy chicken dinner, honey garlic chicken thighs, sticky chicken thighs, sweet and savory chicken, weeknight chicken recipe
Yield: 4 people
Calories: 385kcal
Cost: $5
- 2 lbs chicken thighs bone-in or boneless
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 0.5 cup honey
- 0.33 cup soy sauce use tamari for gluten-free
- 1 tbsp lemon juice optional, for brightness
- 1 tsp cornstarch optional, for thickening
- 2 tbsp water for cornstarch slurry
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
Prepare chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Set aside.
Cook chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs for 6–7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
Add sauce: Pour honey garlic mixture into the pan and reduce heat. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
Optional thickening: Mix cornstarch with water, then stir into sauce if you want a stickier glaze.
Rest and serve: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or green onions.
Swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts, but reduce cooking time to prevent dryness.
Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for a spicy variation.
Pairs well with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes.