If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful chicken dinner, these honey garlic chicken thighs are a game-changer. The combination of sweet honey, savory garlic, and a rich soy-based glaze makes this dish irresistible. Best of all, it’s versatile – you can bake, pan-sear, slow cook, or even pressure cook the chicken depending on your schedule.
Whether you use boneless skinless chicken thighs for speed or bone-in thighs for extra juiciness, this recipe delivers tender, sticky, golden-brown chicken every time. It’s a family-friendly meal that works just as well for weeknight dinners as it does for meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
This recipe isn’t just another garlic chicken dinner – it’s a balance of flavors and textures that make it unforgettable.
- Sweet and Savory Flavor: Honey pairs beautifully with garlic for a glaze that’s sticky, glossy, and delicious.
- Versatility: Works with boneless, skinless thighs, bone-in thighs, or even chicken drumsticks.
- Multiple Cooking Options: Make it in the oven, skillet, crockpot, or Instant Pot.
- Healthier Than Takeout: Skip the deep-fried versions and enjoy a lighter, healthy honey garlic chicken with simple pantry staples.
- Customizable: Add chili flakes for spicy honey garlic chicken, soy for honey soy chicken thighs, or coat in cornstarch for crispy honey garlic chicken.
Ingredients for Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
The beauty of this recipe is how simple pantry staples transform into a rich, sticky glaze. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken Thighs – Boneless skinless thighs cook quickly and stay tender, but bone-in thighs deliver extra juiciness.
- Garlic – Freshly minced garlic gives the best punch of flavor.
- Honey – Adds natural sweetness and caramelizes into a glossy glaze.
- Soy Sauce – Balances the honey with savory depth. Use low-sodium if preferred.
- Olive Oil or Butter – Helps sear the chicken and carry the garlic flavor.
- Optional Flavor Boosts:
- Red Pepper Flakes for spicy honey garlic chicken.
- Ginger for a warm, aromatic kick.
- Sesame Oil for nutty undertones.
- Hot Honey for that trendy sweet heat twist.
Pro Tip: Want a meal-prep shortcut? Mix everything into a honey garlic chicken marinade the night before. The longer it sits, the more flavor soaks into the chicken.
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
This recipe is flexible – you can cook it in the oven, on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or with the Instant Pot. Choose the method that works best for your schedule.
Skillet Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken thighs (skin side down if bone-in) until golden brown, about 5–6 minutes.
- Flip and cook another 4–5 minutes, until nearly cooked through.
- Add the honey garlic sauce, reduce heat, and let it simmer until the glaze thickens.
- Serve hot, spooning sauce over the chicken.
Oven-Baked Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange chicken thighs in a baking dish.
- Pour marinade over chicken and cover with foil.
- Bake 20 minutes (boneless) or 35–40 minutes (bone-in).
- Remove foil and broil 2–3 minutes for a caramelized glaze.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
- Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
- Whisk honey, garlic, soy sauce, and oil together, then pour over chicken.
- Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
- Optional: Broil cooked chicken for a few minutes to caramelize.
Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
- Add sauce ingredients and chicken to the Instant Pot.
- Seal and cook on HIGH pressure for 10 minutes (boneless) or 12 minutes (bone-in).
- Quick release, then switch to sauté mode to thicken the sauce.
- Spoon sauce over chicken to serve.
Variations of Honey Garlic Chicken
This base recipe is endlessly versatile. Try these flavor-packed variations to suit your mood.
Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken
For a crunchy twist, dredge chicken thighs lightly in cornstarch before pan-frying. Once golden and crisp, coat them with the honey garlic glaze. This gives you that satisfying bite with a sticky finish.
Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Love heat? Add sriracha, chili paste, or extra red pepper flakes to the marinade. The kick of spice balances perfectly with the sweetness of honey.
Honey Soy Chicken Thighs
Swap part of the honey for extra soy sauce for a deeper, more savory flavor. Top with sesame seeds and scallions for an Asian-inspired dinner.
Hot Honey Chicken Thighs
Use hot honey instead of regular honey for a trendy, spicy-sweet flavor that’s perfect for serving with roasted veggies or fluffy rice.
Serving Suggestions for Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
These chicken thighs are incredibly versatile and pair well with simple sides to create a balanced dinner.
Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs with Rice
The most classic pairing – steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice soaks up the sticky garlic sauce beautifully. For extra fiber, try brown rice or quinoa.
Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs with Noodles
For an Asian-inspired twist, toss the chicken and glaze with rice noodles or lo mein. Add steamed broccoli or snap peas for extra crunch.
Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs with Vegetables
Roasted broccoli, green beans, or sautéed bok choy pair perfectly with the sweet-savory glaze. This keeps the meal lighter while still satisfying.
Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs with Mashed Potatoes
For a comfort-food version, spoon the sauce over creamy mashed potatoes. The garlic and honey glaze doubles as a gravy substitute.
Tips for Perfect Honey Garlic Chicken
Follow these tips to get juicy, flavorful chicken thighs every time.
Marinate for Maximum Flavor
Even 30 minutes of marinating makes a difference, but overnight is best. The honey tenderizes while garlic and soy infuse deep flavor.
Sear for Caramelization
If using a skillet, don’t skip the sear. Browning the chicken before glazing locks in flavor and creates a golden crust.
Check Internal Temperature
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the thighs reach 165°F (74°C). This guarantees safe, juicy chicken without drying it out.
Reduce the Sauce
After cooking, simmer the sauce for a few minutes until it thickens into a glossy glaze. Perfect for drizzling over chicken, rice, or veggies.
Store and Reheat Properly
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat in a skillet to revive the glaze, or freeze for up to 2 months with parchment between pieces.
FAQs About Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Bake boneless, skinless thighs at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes. For bone-in thighs, cook 35–40 minutes. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Yes! Add chicken and sauce to the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours. For caramelization, broil the thighs for a few minutes after cooking.
You can, but it’s best to thaw them first for even cooking. If using frozen, add 5–10 minutes to oven or Instant Pot cooking time.
It’s optional, but searing enhances flavor and gives the thighs a golden crust. If you skip it, the recipe will still be flavorful, but less caramelized.
Absolutely. Whisk a little cornstarch slurry into the juices and simmer until thickened. This creates a delicious honey garlic gravy to pour over rice or potatoes.
Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or tongs
Ingredients
- 8 chicken thighs (boneless or bone-in)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium if desired)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk honey, soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, and pepper flakes (if using).
- Marinate the Chicken: Add chicken thighs and coat well. Marinate at least 30 minutes (overnight for best flavor).
Cook the Chicken (Choose a Method):
- Skillet: Heat oil in skillet. Sear chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden. Pour in sauce, simmer until thickened.
- Oven: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 min (boneless) or 35–40 min (bone-in). Broil 2–3 min for caramelization.
- Slow Cooker: Cook chicken and sauce on LOW 6–7 hrs or HIGH 3–4 hrs. Optional: broil after cooking for crisp edges.
- Instant Pot: Cook on HIGH pressure for 10 min (boneless) or 12 min (bone-in). Quick release, then simmer to thicken.
- Glaze and Serve: Spoon thickened sauce over chicken. Garnish with parsley and sesame seeds. Serve with rice or veggies.
Notes
Nutrition Information (per serving, approx. based on boneless thighs)
SERVING: 200 g | CALORIES: 310 kcal | CARBOHYDRATES: 16 g | PROTEIN: 29 g | FAT: 14 g | SATURATED FAT: 3 g | CHOLESTEROL: 130 mg | SODIUM: 580 mg | POTASSIUM: 420 mg | FIBER: 0 g | SUGAR: 14 g | VITAMIN A: 100 IU | VITAMIN C: 2 mg | CALCIUM: 20 mg | IRON: 1.6 mgEstimated Recipe Cost
- Chicken thighs: $7.00
- Honey: $2.00
- Soy sauce & pantry staples: $1.50
- Garlic & herbs: $1.00
Total Cost (4 servings): $11.50 ($2.90 per serving)
Recipe Notes
- Substitutions: Coconut aminos for soy-free, hot honey for spicy variation, bone-in thighs for extra juiciness.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 2 months with parchment between pieces.
- Reheating: Warm in skillet or oven to revive glaze; avoid microwaving to prevent drying.
- Variations: Try crispy (coat in cornstarch and pan-fry), spicy (add sriracha), or honey-soy (increase soy sauce).
- Diet Notes: Naturally dairy-free, can be gluten-free with coconut aminos. High in protein, lower in carbs.
- Tips:
- Marinate the chicken for maximum flavor.
- For extra caramelization, sear in a skillet before baking or broil at the end.
- Add chili flakes or sriracha for heat, or sesame oil for a nutty twist.
- Leftovers reheat well and are perfect for meal prep.
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Did you try these Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs? Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating below and share your results in the comments. Tag us on social media with your creations – we love seeing your versions!Nutrition and Health Benefits of Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Honey garlic chicken thighs aren’t just delicious – they can be part of a balanced, protein-rich meal when prepared with mindful ingredients.
- High in Protein: Chicken thighs provide about 19–21g of protein per serving, which helps build and maintain muscle. USDA FoodData Central confirms chicken thighs are a solid protein source.
- Natural Sweetness from Honey: Unlike refined sugar, honey adds flavor while offering trace antioxidants and minerals. National Institutes of Health highlights honey’s potential benefits in moderation.
- Garlic’s Health Properties: Garlic is known for its heart-healthy compounds and immune support. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health notes garlic’s positive role in diet.
- Customizable for Health Goals: Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt intake, or serve with steamed vegetables for a nutrient-dense plate.
Try These Chicken Recipes Next
If you loved these honey garlic chicken thighs, here are more easy, flavorful recipes you’ll want to add to your dinner rotation:
- Vegan Brownie Recipe – A fudgy, plant-based treat that proves dessert can be rich and dairy-free.
- High Protein Overnight Oats – A make-ahead breakfast packed with protein to fuel your mornings.
- Protein Bagels – Chewy, high-protein bagels that make a perfect grab-and-go snack.
- 3 Ingredient Banana Muffins – Quick, simple, and wholesome muffins made with pantry staples.
- Earl Grey Cookies – A delicate, aromatic cookie that pairs perfectly with afternoon tea.
- Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Breakfasts – Start your day with flavorful, allergen-friendly ideas.
- Healthy Smoothies – Refreshing blends to boost your energy and nutrition.
- Probiotic Drinks – Gut-friendly beverages to support digestion and overall wellness.
- Eggless Banana Bread Recipe – A moist, tender loaf perfect for snacking or breakfast.
Final Thoughts on Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Whether you cook them in the oven, skillet, slow cooker, or Instant Pot, these honey garlic chicken thighs always deliver a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavor. With simple ingredients and flexible cooking methods, this dish fits into busy weeknights, meal prep routines, and even special family dinners.
The best part? You can customize the recipe to your taste – make it crispy, add heat with chili flakes, or go the classic route with a sticky glaze over rice. No matter how you serve them, this is a chicken dinner recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Share Your Experience
Have you tried making these honey garlic chicken thighs at home? We’d love to hear how they turned out!
- Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating in the recipe card below if you enjoyed it.
- Share your favorite variation (crispy, spicy, soy, or hot honey).
- Tag us on social media with your honey garlic chicken creations.
📌 Don’t forget to save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can make it again next week!
