How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken
July 6, 2025
Honey garlic chicken is one of those easy, irresistible dishes that checks every box: it’s quick, budget-friendly, and bursting with bold, addictive flavor. With its sticky-sweet glaze, garlicky punch, and savory soy base, this dish is the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and umami — all wrapped around juicy, golden-browned chicken thighs.
Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or meal prepping for the week ahead, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss. And the best part? It’s endlessly adaptable to your pantry and your preferences.
🔥 Flavor Profile:
This dish is a harmonious blend of:
🍯 Sweet: from rich, golden honey
🧄 Savory & pungent: from fresh garlic
🧂 Salty & umami: from soy sauce
🍋 Bright & tangy: with a splash of vinegar or lemon
🌶️ Optional kick: from chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce
The sauce caramelizes beautifully, creating a sticky glaze that clings to every bite of juicy chicken — think comfort food meets Asian-inspired takeout, but way better (and healthier).
🔄 Possible Substitutes:
✅ Chicken Thighs
→ Swap with boneless skinless breasts or drumsticks, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
✅ Honey
→ Use maple syrup, agave, or a sugar-free honey substitute for a low-carb version.
✅ Soy Sauce
→ Sub with coconut aminos or tamari for a gluten-free option.
✅ Rice Vinegar
→ Try apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, or even a splash of white wine vinegar.
✅ Fresh Garlic
→ If you’re out, use ½ tsp garlic powder per clove as a backup (but fresh is always best).
🧠 Pro Tips for Success:
✔️ Pat the chicken dry before cooking — this gives you that gorgeous sear.
✔️ Don’t overcrowd the pan — work in batches if needed for crispy skin.
✔️ Watch the sauce — once you add the honey, keep it on medium to avoid burning.
✔️ Broil at the end for 2–3 minutes to intensify the caramelization (especially if baking).
✔️ Serve it with jasmine rice, cauliflower rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed broccoli for a complete meal.
🍯 Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs 🍗
These juicy, caramelized chicken thighs are sweet, savory, garlicky, and packed with umami. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or meal prep!
🕒 Prep Time: 10 minutes
🕒 Cook Time: 20 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 4
Ingredients:
✅ For the chicken:
6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless, if preferred)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika (optional, adds depth)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp unsalted butter
✅ For the honey garlic sauce:
4 garlic cloves, minced
⅓ cup honey 🍯
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional, for extra depth)
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
Instructions:
1️⃣ Prep the Chicken:
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels (this helps crisp up the skin).
Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2️⃣ Sear the Chicken:
Heat olive oil and butter in a large pan over medium-high heat.
Place chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and crispy.
Flip and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
3️⃣ Make the Sauce:
In the same pan, reduce heat to medium.
Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in honey, soy sauce, vinegar, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2 minutes.
4️⃣ Glaze & Cook:
Return the chicken to the pan, skin-side up.
Spoon sauce over the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, basting occasionally.
If using a meat thermometer, thighs should reach 165°F (74°C) internally.
5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds.
Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed veggies.
Nutritional Breakdown (per serving):
📌 Calories: ~350 kcal
📌 Protein: ~28g
📌 Carbs: ~18g
📌 Fats: ~18g
📌 Sodium: ~600mg