Why make this recipe
Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs are an easy and delicious dish that everyone will love. The combination of sweet honey and savory garlic creates a wonderful flavor that pairs perfectly with the juicy chicken thighs. This recipe is great for a quick weeknight dinner or for impressing guests at a gathering. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have a tasty meal ready in no time!
How to make Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Ingredients:
- 6 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon oil
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
Directions:
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix together the honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Set aside.
- Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs skin-side down, and cook for 5-7 minutes without moving them.
- Reduce the heat to medium, flip the chicken, and cook for another 7-10 minutes until the juices run clear or the inside reaches 165°F.
- Remove the chicken to a plate and leave about 2 tablespoons of the chicken fat in the pan.
- Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for 30-60 seconds.
- Add the sauce mixture from earlier and cook until it starts to foam up and thicken.
- Add the chicken back to the pan and spoon the sauce over the chicken.
- Serve immediately, with plain rice or mashed potatoes, and add steamed vegetables or a simple salad on the side.
How to serve Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs are best served warm. You can place the chicken thighs on a platter and drizzle the sauce over them. Pair this dish with plain rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. For a complete meal, add some steamed vegetables or a fresh salad on the side.
How to store Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
If you have leftover Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs, let them cool to room temperature. Place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They can last for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the skillet or microwave until heated through.
Tips to make Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
- Make sure to pat the chicken dry before cooking. This helps achieve a crispy skin.
- Don’t skip the step of letting the chicken sit skin-side down without moving it. This helps to get a nice golden brown color.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of honey based on your preferred level of sweetness.
Variation
You can change up the flavors by adding a pinch of crushed red pepper for some heat or using a different type of vinegar. Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary for added flavor.
FAQs
-
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they may cook faster, so keep an eye on them to avoid drying out. -
What can I serve with Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs?
This dish pairs well with rice, potatoes, or vegetables. A simple salad also makes a nice side. -
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container, and they can last for up to 3 months.
Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 pieces chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon oil
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix together the honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Set aside.
Cooking
- Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken thighs skin-side down, and cook for 5-7 minutes without moving them.
- Reduce the heat to medium, flip the chicken, and cook for another 7-10 minutes until the juices run clear or the inside reaches 165°F.
- Remove the chicken to a plate and leave about 2 tablespoons of the chicken fat in the pan.
- Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for 30-60 seconds.
- Add the sauce mixture from earlier and cook until it starts to foam up and thicken.
- Add the chicken back to the pan and spoon the sauce over the chicken.
Serving
- Serve immediately, with plain rice or mashed potatoes, and add steamed vegetables or a simple salad on the side.
