This honey garlic chicken is a useful recipe for the nights when you want dinner to taste good without opening ten different jars. The glaze needs only honey, soy sauce, and fresh garlic, and the chicken cooks in the same skillet.
The sauce turns shiny and slightly sticky as it simmers. It is sweet, savory, and good with plain rice because the rice catches the extra sauce from the pan.
Why chicken thighs work well here
Chicken thighs stay juicy and are forgiving if they cook a minute longer than planned. Boneless thighs also cook quickly, which makes them a good choice for weeknight dinners.
Watch the sauce near the end
Honey can go from glossy to too dark fairly quickly. Once the sauce starts to thicken, keep the heat around medium or medium-low and turn the chicken a few times so the glaze coats it evenly.
Simple serving ideas
Rice and broccoli make an easy plate, but noodles, green beans, roasted carrots, or a cabbage salad all work well. Leftovers are also good sliced and added to a lunch bowl the next day.
5-Ingredient Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Juicy chicken thighs coated in an easy sweet and savory honey garlic glaze.
Cook: 25 mins
Total: 35 mins
Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry and season lightly with black pepper.
- Whisk the honey, soy sauce, and garlic in a small bowl.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5 minutes on the first side and 4 minutes on the second.
- Lower the heat to medium. Pour the honey garlic mixture into the skillet.
- Simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, turning the chicken once or twice, until the sauce becomes glossy and the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Helpful Notes
- Keep an eye on the sauce near the end because honey can darken quickly.
- Low-sodium soy sauce gives you better control over the salt level.
- Serve with rice and a quick vegetable such as broccoli, green beans, or snap peas.
