honey garlic chicken
This sticky honey garlic chicken recipe uses just 5 pantry staples and cooks in 20 minutes. Gluten-free options included for all to enjoy!
Ingredients
The Essentials
- 6 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs (the fat = flavor + crispy skin!)
- 3 tbsp honey or maple syrup for vegan option
- 4 garlic cloves minced (fresh is best – no jarred shortcuts here!)
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free option
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar that secret tangy kick
The Flavor Boosters
- 1 tablespoon olive oil ideal for a perfect sear
- ½ tsp black pepper freshly cracked, please
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes optional, for heat lovers
- Pro Tip: For extra crispy skin take chicken thighs out of the fridge 15 minutes before cooking – room temp meat = even cooking.
Ingredient Hacks:
- Out of honey? Brown sugar works in a pinch use 2 tbsp + 1 tbsp water.
- Garlic lover? Double the cloves – we won't judge.
- Want thicker sauce? Mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp cold water stir into simmering sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Like a Pro
- Pat chicken thighs bone-dry with paper towels (this is your crispy skin secret!)
- Generously season both sides with salt and pepper
- Mince garlic while your pan heats up (fresh is best – that pre-minced stuff just won't deliver the same punch)
Step 2: Sear to Golden Glory
- Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it begins to shimmer
- Place thighs skin-side down – don't crowd them! Work in batches if needed
- Resist the urge to peek! Let cook undisturbed for 6-7 minutes until deeply golden
- Flip and cook 2 more minutes (we'll finish cooking in the sauce)
- Pro Tip: That golden crust = flavor gold. If it sticks, it's not ready to flip yet!
Step 3: Sauce Magic Happens
- Remove chicken and drain excess fat (leave about 1 tbsp)
- Lower heat to medium, add garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant (don't let it burn!)
- Whisk in honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar – it'll bubble up beautifully
- Optional: For thicker sauce, mix in cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water)
Step 4: Glaze & Finish
- Return chicken to pan skin-side up (that crispy top stays crisp!)
- Spoon sauce over each piece
- Simmer 5-7 minutes until chicken hits 165°F internal temp
- For extra shine, broil 1-2 minutes (watch closely!)