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Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs – Easy Skillet Recipe

Sticky honey garlic chicken thighs are made with tender boneless chicken, honey, garlic, and soy sauce.
Marinate for 30 minutes, then cook in a skillet until golden and fully cooked.
Simmer the sauce until thick and glossy, coat the chicken, and serve with rice or vegetables.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Asian-inspired

Ingredients
  

  • 1 –1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 5 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the marinade

  • Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag.
  • Add the salt, black pepper, minced garlic, honey, low-sodium soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar.
  • Mix everything thoroughly until the chicken is evenly coated in the marinade.

Step 2: Marinate the chicken

  • Cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  • This allows the chicken to absorb the sweet and savory flavors while helping the garlic and honey develop a delicious coating.
  • For a deeper flavor, you can marinate the chicken for up to 8 hours in the refrigerator.

Step 3: Heat the skillet

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Once the oil is hot, carefully place the marinated chicken thighs in the skillet.
  • Reserve the remaining marinade for the sauce.

Step 4: Cook the first side

  • Cook the chicken thighs for approximately 5 minutes without moving them too much.
  • This helps develop a golden-brown exterior while keeping the inside juicy.

Step 5: Flip the chicken

  • Turn the chicken thighs over and continue cooking for another 6–7 minutes.
  • The chicken should begin to develop a beautiful golden color, and the garlic honey coating will start to caramelize.

Step 6: Add the marinade

  • Move the chicken slightly to create space in the skillet.
  • Pour the reserved marinade into the pan.
  • Increase the heat slightly and bring the sauce to a full boil. Continue cooking for approximately 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce and thicken.
  • Because the marinade has touched raw chicken, it must be thoroughly cooked before serving.

Step 7: Coat the chicken

  • Turn the chicken thighs several times in the thickened sauce until every piece is evenly coated.
  • Your Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs should have a glossy, rich glaze that clings to the chicken without being overly thick.
  • Check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 8: Serve

  • Turn off the heat and transfer the chicken to a serving plate.
  • Spoon the remaining honey garlic sauce over the top and serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.

Notes

  • Chicken substitutions: Boneless chicken breasts can replace chicken thighs, although cooking times may vary depending on thickness. Avoid overcooking to keep the meat tender.
  • Soy sauce alternatives: Coconut aminos can be used instead of low-sodium soy sauce. Since coconut aminos are naturally sweeter, you may prefer to reduce the honey slightly.
  • Garlic adjustments: Use three or four garlic cloves for a milder flavor, or add an extra clove if you enjoy a stronger garlic taste.
  • Optional heat: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small amount of chili sauce if you prefer a spicy honey garlic chicken variation.
  • Serving suggestions: Serve with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, garlic noodles, roasted broccoli, green beans, or a fresh cucumber salad.
  • Halal preparation: Use halal-certified chicken and verify that your soy sauce or coconut aminos contain no alcohol or other unsuitable ingredients. If using broth to thin the sauce, choose halal-certified chicken broth or vegetable broth.