Go Back

Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

An easy and flavorful dish combining sweet honey and savory garlic with bone-in chicken thighs, ready in just 30 minutes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Asian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken

  • 6 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds / 900g)
  • 1/4 cup honey (85g)
  • 4 large cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (60ml), low-sodium preferred
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (30ml) Can substitute with white vinegar
  • 1/4 cup water or chicken broth (60ml)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil (30ml)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Rice

  • 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice (270g)
  • 3 cups water or chicken broth (720ml)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
  • In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups of water or chicken broth and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a boil.
  • Add the rice, stir once, cover, and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.

Cooking the Chicken

  • Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides lightly with ground black pepper.
  • In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and cook without moving for 6-7 minutes until golden and crispy.
  • Flip the chicken thighs and cook for an additional 2 minutes on the other side, then remove and set aside.

Making the Sauce

  • Lower the heat to medium, add minced garlic, and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Stir in honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and water or broth, along with red pepper flakes if using.
  • Scrape up any browned bits from the pan with a spoon.

Simmering

  • Return the chicken thighs to the pan, skin-side up. Spoon some sauce over the top, cover, and let simmer gently for 7-8 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Serving

  • Fluff the rice with a fork and plate it alongside the chicken.
  • Spoon extra sauce from the pan over both the rice and chicken, garnishing with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

For best results, ensure to pat the chicken dry for crispy skin and use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
Keyword Chicken Thighs, Easy Recipe, family meal, Honey Garlic Chicken, quick dinner