Name: Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 8 chicken thighs skinless and boneless; 2 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch); 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp pepper; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 tbsp unsalted butter; 4 cloves minced garlic; 110 g (1/3 cup) honey; 80 ml (1/3 cup) chicken stock; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp light soy sauce; 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley; 1/2 tsp chilli flakes; Boiled rice

If you love a dinner that's bursting with sticky, sweet, and savory flavors, then this Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe is definitely going to become your new go-to. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a cozy meal any night of the week.

The image shows a close-up of a black pan filled with seven golden-brown pieces of chicken, each cooked to a shiny, crispy finish with small green herb bits sprinkled on top and some red pepper flakes. A spoon is pouring thick, amber-colored sauce onto one piece near the center, making it glisten. The pan’s surface is slightly oily, reflecting light and adding a warm glow to the chicken, while the background is softly blurred with a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, I can’t get enough of this dish. The way the honey and garlic come together to create a luscious glaze on the chicken thighs just makes my taste buds sing every time.

Flavor-packed: Sweet honey and garlicky goodness with a subtle kick of chili flakes.
Quick & Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Tender & Juicy Chicken: Using skinless, boneless thighs keeps the meat juicy and satisfying.
One-pan Wonder: The whole dish comes together stovetop, saving you from a pile of dishes.

Ingredients & Why They Work

It’s amazing what a handful of simple ingredients can do! When you shop for this recipe, look for fresh garlic and good-quality honey — they make a big difference. I also recommend using skinless, boneless chicken thighs for that perfect balance of tenderness and flavor.

Flat lay of eight skinless boneless chicken thighs arranged neatly, a small mound of fine white cornflour in a simple white ceramic bowl, a tiny white bowl holding coarse salt, another tiny bowl with black peppercorns, a small white bowl containing golden vegetable oil, a small white bowl with a pat of unsalted butter, fresh whole garlic bulbs with four cloves separated, a small white bowl filled with clear golden honey, a small white bowl of light chicken stock, a small white bowl with pale rice vinegar, a small white bowl of dark light soy sauce, a few sprigs of finely chopped fresh green parsley on a white plate, a small white bowl holding bright red chili flakes, a neat mound of fluffy boiled white rice on a plain white ceramic plate, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken thighs: Boneless and skinless for easy cooking and juicy meat.
Cornflour (cornstarch): Helps create a crispy coating and thickens the sauce.
Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning to bring out all the flavors.
Vegetable oil: A neutral oil that’s perfect for frying without overpowering flavors.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps balance the sweetness of the honey.
Garlic: Four cloves minced pack the perfect punch of aroma and taste.
Honey: The star sweetener creating that irresistible sticky glaze.
Chicken stock: Adds depth and balances the sweetness with savory notes.
Rice vinegar: Gives a mild tanginess that cuts through the richness.
Light soy sauce: For that essential umami boost and saltiness.
Fresh parsley: Chopped finely to add a fresh, herby finish.
Chilli flakes: A little heat complements the sweet and savory flavors nicely.
Boiled rice: The perfect bed to soak up all that delicious sauce.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to suit your tastes or what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen — small changes can bring exciting new twists!

Spicy Kick: I love adding a bit more chili flakes or even a splash of sriracha to turn up the heat. It gives the sticky sauce a wonderful spicy-sweet contrast that’s addictive.
Herb Swap: While fresh parsley adds a lovely brightness, sometimes I switch it out for fresh cilantro or basil for a different herbal nuance.
Gluten-Free Twist: To keep this recipe gluten-free, just swap the light soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos—just as flavorful without the gluten.
Vegetable Boost: Adding quick-cooking veggies like snap peas or thinly sliced bell peppers to the pan in the last few minutes makes this a one-pan wonder with extra color and crunch.
Crispier Chicken: For a crispier finish, pat your chicken dry really well before tossing with the cornflour. The drier the chicken, the better that golden crust will develop in the pan.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe

The dish shows a close-up of several pieces of golden-brown cooked chicken with a shiny, sticky glaze on top. The chicken is layered over a bed of soft white rice, with each piece dripping with sauce. The sauce has small chili flakes and green herbs sprinkled over it, adding bright red and green spots across the chicken. The rice beneath looks fluffy and contrasts with the rich, glossy texture of the glazed chicken. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Coat the Chicken for Perfect Crispy Edges

Start by placing 8 skinless, boneless chicken thighs into a large bowl. Sprinkle over 2 tablespoons of cornflour, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Toss the chicken thoroughly until each piece is evenly coated in this light mixture. This step is key to creating that beautifully golden and slightly crispy texture on the outside while keeping the chicken juicy inside.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken Until Golden Brown

Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large frying pan over high heat. When the oil is shimmering hot, add the coated chicken thighs in a single layer, making sure not to crowd the pan. Cook without moving them for about 5 minutes until the underside is a rich golden brown. Flip each piece and cook for another 2 minutes. The quick sear locks in moisture and builds layers of flavor.

Step 3: Add Butter and Garlic for That Aromatic Boost

Lower the heat to medium, then add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter to the pan. Let it melt and mix with the cooking oil. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic, stirring frequently to ensure it softens but doesn’t burn. This fragrant step fills your kitchen with that irresistible garlicky aroma and forms the flavor base of your sauce.

Step 4: Stir Together the Sweet and Savory Sauce

In a small bowl, combine 110 grams (about ⅓ cup) of honey, 80 ml (⅓ cup) chicken stock, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon light soy sauce. Stir well until thoroughly mixed. This mixture balances sweetness, tang, and umami, making it the perfect sticky coating for the chicken.

Step 5: Simmer the Chicken in the Honey Garlic Sauce

Pour the sauce into the pan with the chicken and garlic. Crank the heat back to bring everything to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes. During this time, the sauce will thicken to a luscious glaze, and the chicken will finish cooking through—no pinkness inside. Give the pan an occasional swirl to coat the chicken evenly.

Step 6: Final Touches and Serving

Turn off the heat and sprinkle 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh parsley and ½ teaspoon of chili flakes over the chicken. These fresh and spicy notes lift the dish beautifully. Serve your sticky, tender Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs immediately over a bed of fluffy boiled rice to soak up every drop of that irresistible sauce.

Top Tip

These tips will help you get the most flavorful and perfectly cooked honey garlic chicken thighs every time. Trust me, a few small tweaks can elevate this simple dish into a family favorite!

Pat the Chicken Dry: Before coating with cornflour, make sure to pat your chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better and gives you that beautiful golden crust.
Don’t Rush the Garlic: Adding garlic after the butter melts and lowering the heat to medium prevents the garlic from burning, which can turn bitter and spoil the sauce’s delicate balance.
Simmer Until Sauce Thickens: Keep a close eye during the simmering stage to get that sticky, glossy honey garlic sauce that clings perfectly to the chicken.
Adjust Chili Flakes to Taste: Whether you like it mild or with a little kick, feel free to adjust the chili flakes. I find the half teaspoon hits a great balance, but it’s your call!

How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe

The image shows a black pan filled with several pieces of cooking meat in two rows. The front row has three pieces with a golden brown color and crispy texture on top, while the back row has five pieces that are lighter in color and look softer and less cooked. A pair of black tongs held by a woman's hand is lifting one of the lighter pieces from the pan. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To brighten up this rich dish, sprinkle a little extra chopped fresh parsley on top just before serving. A few toasted sesame seeds or a squeeze of fresh lime also work beautifully to add color and fresh notes.

Side Dishes

This Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed or boiled rice to soak up that sticky, flavorful sauce. For some freshness and crunch, serve alongside simple stir-fried vegetables or a crisp cucumber salad. Roasted broccoli or snap peas also complement the dish perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, making this recipe a great choice for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken thighs and sauce together in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Make sure to cool completely before freezing. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a pan over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. This keeps the chicken tender and the sauce glossy. You can also microwave, but be careful not to overcook or dry out the chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts if you prefer. Just be careful not to overcook them as breasts are leaner and can dry out faster than thighs.

Is it necessary to use cornflour (cornstarch)?

Cornflour helps create a light coating that crisps up the chicken and thickens the sauce slightly. If you don’t have it, you can try all-purpose flour, but the texture may differ.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

Cook until the chicken is no longer pink inside and the juices run clear. Typically, this recipe’s cooking time of about 7 minutes in the pan ensures it's fully cooked.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and make sure your cornflour and other ingredients are labeled gluten-free for a safe swap.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe is a keeper when you want a quick, flavorful meal that feels special yet is incredibly easy to prepare. The sticky, garlicky sauce paired with tender chicken and fluffy rice hits all the right notes for comfort and satisfaction. I hope it finds a warm spot on your weekly rotation and brings smiles to your table as much as it does to mine!