This Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs coated in a sweet and savory garlic soy sauce. It’s a simple dish that can be prepared in various ways, making it a versatile choice for busy weeknights.
Perfect for family-friendly meals, this recipe is budget-friendly and can be adapted for slow cooker chicken thighs or baked chicken recipes. Enjoy this healthy comfort food that the whole family will love.
Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Honey garlic chicken thighs are a delightful addition to any dinner table. Their shiny, sticky glaze brings a sweet and savory flavor that is hard to resist.
This dish is not only easy to prepare but also versatile, making it suitable for various occasions. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a comforting dish for family gatherings, these juicy chicken thighs fit the bill perfectly.
With a preparation time of just 10 minutes and a cooking time of 20 minutes, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time. Pair it with steamed rice and colorful vegetables for a complete and visually appealing plate that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients for Success
To create this mouthwatering dish, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Start with chicken thighs, which are known for their tenderness and flavor.
Other essential components include cornstarch, salt, and pepper to season the chicken, along with vegetable oil and unsalted butter for cooking. The sauce is where the magic happens, featuring minced garlic, honey, chicken stock, vinegar, and soy sauce.
This combination results in a rich, sticky sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken, making each bite a delightful experience.
Cooking Techniques
Begin by patting the chicken thighs dry and seasoning them with salt and pepper. A light coating of cornstarch helps achieve that perfect crispy exterior when seared.
Using a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step locks in the juices, ensuring that the chicken remains moist and flavorful.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and prepare the sauce in the same pan. Sauté minced garlic in butter, then add honey, chicken stock, vinegar, and soy sauce, allowing the mixture to simmer and thicken.
Serving Suggestions
Once the chicken is coated in the luscious sauce, it’s time to plate up. Arrange the honey garlic chicken thighs on a serving dish, drizzling extra sauce over the top for added flavor.
Serve alongside fluffy steamed rice and a medley of colorful vegetables to create a balanced meal. The vibrant colors not only enhance the presentation but also add nutritional value to your plate.
This dish is perfect for family-friendly dinners, and it can easily be adapted for slow cooker chicken thighs or even baked chicken recipes for those who prefer a hands-off approach.
Meal Prep and Storage
One of the great things about this easy honey garlic chicken is that it can be prepared in advance. If you’re planning for a busy week, consider making a batch and storing it in the refrigerator.
This dish also works well for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy healthy comfort food throughout the week. Simply reheat the chicken and sauce in a skillet or microwave for a quick and satisfying meal.
For those who love sheet pan meals, try roasting some vegetables alongside the chicken for a one-pan dinner that minimizes cleanup.
Nutritional Benefits
This honey garlic chicken thighs recipe is not only delicious but also offers nutritional benefits. Each serving contains approximately 320 calories, with a good balance of protein and carbohydrates.
With 24 grams of protein per serving, this dish supports muscle health while being budget-friendly. The combination of chicken, vegetables, and rice provides a wholesome meal that satisfies hunger without compromising on taste.
Enjoy this sweet savory dinner idea that the whole family will love, making it a staple in your collection of family-friendly chicken dishes.
Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
These honey garlic chicken thighs are cooked to perfection, resulting in a sticky, flavorful dish that pairs well with rice or vegetables. The recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish and serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Coat them lightly with cornstarch.
- Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in honey, chicken stock, vinegar, and soy sauce. Bring to a simmer.
- Combine: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, coating them in the sauce. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the chicken to absorb the flavors.
- Serve: Plate the chicken thighs and drizzle with extra sauce. Serve hot with your choice of sides.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 320kcal
- Fat: 16g
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 20g