Irresistible Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe

Craving a delicious and easy dinner? These Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs are just the ticket! This recipe delivers crispy, flavorful chicken that’s perfect for a weeknight meal. Whether you prefer the air fryer, oven, or stovetop, you’ll get amazing results every time. Get ready to enjoy a mouthwatering main course that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe has a secret ingredient: a touch of ginger that elevates the entire dish. The ginger adds a warming, slightly spicy note that perfectly complements the sweetness of the honey and the savory garlic, creating a truly unforgettable flavor. You can learn more about the safe handling of ginger on the USDA website.

Here’s why you will keep coming back to this recipe:

Quick and easy: This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal on the table fast. For another equally simple meal, try this one-pot chicken parm pasta, which makes cleanup a breeze!

Family-friendly flavor: The combination of honey, garlic, and ginger is a surefire hit with both kids and adults.

Simple ingredients: You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry and refrigerator.

Ingredients Needed

* 1.5 lb chicken thighs skin-on and boneless (4 pieces (see notes))
* 1 tsp Coarse sea salt (divided about ¼ tsp per thigh)
* Sprinkle Ground black pepper
* Sprinkle Garlic powder
* 4 tbsp starch (divided (about 1 tbsp per chicken thigh))
* Spray Avocado oil
* Lime wedges (for serving)
* 2 tbsp unsalted butter
* 0.9 oz garlic cloves (finely minced (5 large))
* ½ tbsp light soy sauce
* 1 to 1.5 tbsp honey (plus more for serving)
* 1 tbsp sake
* Pinch coarse salt (or to taste)
* Small squeeze fresh lime juice
* ⅛ tsp starch (to thicken the sauce slightly)

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Let’s talk about the ingredients and how you can customize them to your liking.

Chicken Thighs: I prefer boneless, skin-on chicken thighs for this recipe because they cook quickly and stay juicy. Bone-in thighs will work too, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. The skin is key for that crispy texture we all love.

Honey: Clover honey is my go-to for its mild flavor, but wildflower or any other variety will work well. For a keto-friendly option, try erythritol or monk fruit sweetener, adjusting to your desired sweetness level. For more information, you might find this article on honey on Wikipedia helpful.

Soy Sauce: I recommend light soy sauce for this recipe. If you’re watching your sodium intake, use a low-sodium soy sauce. Dark soy sauce would also work, but has a much stronger flavor.

Sake: Sake adds a subtle depth of flavor to the sauce. If you don’t have sake on hand, chicken broth is a fine substitute.

Starch: Cornstarch is my first choice for thickening the sauce and for helping to crisp up the chicken, but tapioca starch is a great gluten-free alternative.

Avocado Oil: I like using avocado oil because of its high smoke point. You can also use vegetable oil or another oil with a high smoke point.

How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Here’s how to make these irresistible honey garlic chicken thighs:

Prep the Chicken

First, pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This is essential for achieving crispy skin. Make a few shallow cross-cuts on the meaty side of each thigh to help them cook evenly. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Then, dust each thigh with about 1 tbsp of starch on both sides, ensuring they’re evenly coated to absorb moisture.

Air Fry (Recommended)

Spray your air fryer basket with avocado oil. Place the chicken thighs skin side down in the basket, making sure they aren’t overcrowded. Spray the top of the chicken with more oil, coating evenly. Air fry at 400°F (204°C) for 10 minutes. Flip the chicken so the skin side is up, spray with oil again, and air fry for another 10 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown.

Stovetop Option

Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add oil. Pan fry the chicken skin side down for 5-6 minutes, until the skin is beautifully golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook for another 4 minutes. Use a splatter guard to protect yourself from hot oil. For another delicious cast iron recipe, check out this hot sausage cast iron skillet pizza.

Oven Baking

Brush a wire rack with oil and place it on a baking sheet. Place the chicken thighs skin-side up on the rack, then spray them evenly with oil. Bake at 425°F (218°C) for 20 minutes. For extra crispiness, switch to high broil for the last 3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

Rest

Place the cooked chicken thighs on a cooling rack to rest while you prepare the sauce. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in more tender chicken.

Make the Honey Garlic Ginger Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Stir in the soy sauce, honey, sake, and a pinch of salt. Add the lime juice, then whisk in the starch mixed with 1 tsp of water. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly, becoming glossy and able to lightly coat the back of a spoon. During the last minute of cooking, add a pinch of grated fresh ginger for that extra zing.

Serve

Slice the chicken thighs into cutlets. Spoon a generous amount of the honey garlic ginger sauce over each piece. Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a drizzle of extra honey, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Achieving Perfectly Browned Chicken

Getting that perfect golden-brown color on your chicken is key to making this dish visually appealing and delicious. Here’s how I achieve it in my kitchen:

Make sure the chicken is completely dry before cooking. Use paper towels to pat it dry, removing as much moisture as possible.

The starch is your secret weapon for crispy skin. It helps to absorb any remaining moisture and creates a coating that browns beautifully.

When air frying or baking, ensure the chicken is evenly coated with oil. This prevents those unsightly white spots and ensures even browning.

Don’t be afraid to use the broiler! A few minutes under the broiler at the end of cooking can give your chicken that final touch of golden-brown perfection.

If you notice uneven browning, it could be due to overcrowding the pan or an uneven oven temperature. Give the chicken enough space and make sure your oven is properly calibrated.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Here are some tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years to help you make the best Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs possible.

Pro Tips

Make sure the chicken is generously coated with oil spray to avoid any white, powdery spots.

Sauté the garlic gently in butter over low heat to mellow its flavor and release its fragrant aroma.

Cook the sauce on its own, separate from the chicken, to prevent the chicken from getting soggy and the honey from burning.

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Don’t skip the ginger! It really elevates the flavor of the sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Burning the garlic is a common pitfall. Keep the heat low and stir frequently.

A sauce that is too thick or too thin can ruin the dish. Follow the recipe closely and adjust as needed.

Overcooking the chicken will result in dry, tough meat. Use a meat thermometer and cook until just done.

Not drying the chicken thoroughly before cooking will prevent the skin from getting crispy.

Serving & Storage

Here are some ideas for serving and storing your Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs.

Serving Ideas

Serve these delicious chicken thighs with a side of fluffy rice or noodles to soak up all that flavorful sauce.

Stir-fried yu choy sum or other Asian greens make a perfect healthy accompaniment. Consider adding some sesame tofu and broccoli for a complete meal!

Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a pop of color and flavor.

Offer lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus.

Steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables are also great side options.

Storage and Make-Ahead

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat in the microwave, oven, or air fryer until heated through.

For longer storage, freeze cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion

These Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The unique ginger twist adds a delightful warmth and complexity to the classic honey garlic flavor. This recipe is incredibly easy to follow and yields consistently delicious results. Feel free to experiment with different variations and serving suggestions to make it your own. Print this recipe and add it to your collection of family favorites!

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs:

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs? Chicken breast can be used, but keep in mind that it cooks faster and can dry out more easily than thighs. Reduce the cooking time accordingly and consider marinating the chicken breast beforehand to keep it moist. Thighs are generally more forgiving and flavorful.

What if my sauce is too thin or too thick? If your sauce is too thin, mix another 1/4 teaspoon of starch with 1 teaspoon of cold water and whisk it into the sauce. Simmer for another minute or two until thickened. If your sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon of water or chicken broth at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.

Can I make a sugar-free version? Yes, you can substitute the honey with a sugar-free honey substitute like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener. Adjust the amount to your taste. If you are watching your carbs you might like this low carb chicken and asparagus skillet.

How do I reheat honey garlic chicken thighs? To maintain crispiness, reheat the chicken thighs in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes, or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also microwave them, but they may lose some of their crispiness.

What can I serve with honey garlic chicken thighs? These chicken thighs are delicious with rice, noodles, and a variety of vegetables like stir-fried greens, steamed broccoli, or roasted vegetables.

How do I store honey garlic chicken thighs? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.