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Quick Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs – Easy 30-Minute Dinner

honey garlic chicken thighs - featured image

Juicy chicken thighs are seared to perfection and coated in a glossy, sweet-savory honey garlic sauce. This one-pan, 30-minute dinner is a weeknight hero that requires no flour dredging and minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/3 cup (110 grams) honey
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
  • 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. Set aside.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using) until smooth.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Add olive oil and swirl to coat.
  4. Place chicken thighs in the pan in a single layer. Cook without moving for 4-5 minutes until deep golden brown.
  5. Flip the chicken using tongs. Cook for another 4-5 minutes on the second side until golden brown and almost cooked through.
  6. Pour the sauce mixture into the pan around the chicken. Reduce heat to medium-low.
  7. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and glossy. Spoon sauce over chicken as it simmers.
  8. Check for doneness with an instant-read thermometer (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C). If needed, simmer 2-3 more minutes.
  9. Remove from heat and let chicken rest in the pan for 2 minutes.
  10. Transfer to a serving platter, spoon remaining sauce over the top, and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

Pat chicken dry for best browning. Watch the sauce closely as honey burns quickly; if it gets too thick, add a splash of water. Let chicken rest 2 minutes before serving. Double the sauce if you like extra for rice or vegetables.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey garlic chicken, sticky chicken, quick chicken dinner, 30-minute meal, one-pan chicken, boneless chicken thighs, easy weeknight dinner