Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs are juicy, tender, and perfect for an easy weeknight meal! The combination of honey, garlic and soy sauce creates a delicious blend of sweet and savory flavors that the whole family will love.
Chicken thigh recipes are so easy and delicious, try some other favorites like Chicken in Sun Dried Tomato Cream Sauce, Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken, One Pan Garlic Herb Chicken and Asparagus, One Pan Spanish Chicken and Rice, and Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs.
Why This Recipe Works
Simple Ingredients: You can whip up a honey garlic chicken marinade with minimal ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry! After marinating the chicken thighs in this simple marinade, they will be juicy, tender and so flavorful. The simple ingredients and preparation of these chicken thighs make this the perfect weeknight meal for busy families!
Super Flavorful: I don’t want to forget to mention that these easy honey garlic chicken thighs are absolutely delicious! The combination of savory and sweet along with a slight tanginess from the apple cider vinegar make these chicken thighs super flavorful. They get slightly caramelized after cooking too, which creates some delightful texture! You can pair these with any of your favorite sides. Since this marinade is Asian-inspired, it goes great with rice and a simple veggie on the side!
Ingredients
- Soy Sauce: Adds a salty, savory flavor! No need to add salt, since the soy sauce will act as the salt here.
- Honey: A bit of honey helps the chicken to caramelize while cooking and balances out the flavors.
- Minced Garlic: For a savory flavor and aroma!
- Red Pepper Flakes: Red pepper flakes will add just a hint of spice.
- Garlic Powder: Extra garlic in the form of garlic powder is easy to use and adds an extra depth of flavor!
- Apple Cider Vinegar: To tenderize the chicken and balance out the flavors!
- Chicken Thighs: I like to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs here. You can technically use any kind of chicken you would like, including chicken breast. If you use bone-in chicken, it will take longer to cook. If you use chicken thighs, slice them in half vertically so they are not super thick!
Here’s How to Make It
Step by Step Instructions
- Make the Marinade: Whisk together the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, and apple cider vinegar in the bottom of a large bowl. (photos 1-2)
- Add the Chicken: Add the chicken and coat with the marinade. Cover and transfer to the fridge for at least an hour, or overnight. (photo 3)
- Cook the Chicken: Prepare a cast iron skillet or griddle pan with cooking spray and set over a medium high heat. Cook the chicken until cooked through and caramelized on each sides, occasionally basting with leftover marinade and never leaving the chicken unattended to make sure the honey marinade does not burn. (photo 4)
Expert Tips
- To check that the chicken thighs are done cooking, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest thigh. Chicken should be cooked until 165 degrees F.
- You can use chicken breast in place of chicken thighs here! I recommend slicing the chicken breasts in half vertically so that each one is turned into two thinner pieces. This will help the chicken cook more evenly and more quickly, so that it won’t get dried out!
- To make a gluten-free honey garlic chicken thighs recipe, use a certified gluten-free soy sauce!
Frequently Asked Questions
This honey garlic chicken is super versatile and can be paired with so many side dishes to make a delicious weeknight meal! Pair with a simple side of piping hot rice and some roasted broccoli and cauliflower. It would also be delicious with mashed potatoes, or as a lighter option pair it with a chopped Asian salad!
You can store any leftover honey garlic chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days! Simply reheat in the microwave until heated through and enjoy!
More Easy Dinner Recipes to Try
- Caribbean Jerk Chicken
- Honey Walnut Shrimp
- Honey Sriracha Chicken
- Greek Chicken Marinade
- Chipotle Chicken Recipe
- Grilled BBQ Chicken
- Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
Did you make this recipe? FANTASTIC. Please rate the recipe below and be sure to tag me on social when you share a photo on social – I love seeing what you’re up to in the kitchen!
Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp soy sauce
- 4 tbsp runny honey
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 8 skinless, boneless chicken thighs
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Whisk together the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, garlic powder and apple cider vinegar in the bottom of a large bowl.
- Add the chicken and coat with the marinade. Cover and transfer to the fridge for at least an hour, or overnight.
- Prepare a cast iron skillet or griddle pan with cooking spray and set over a medium high heat. Cook the chicken until cooked through and caramelized on each sides, occasionally basting with leftover marinade and never leaving the chicken unattended to make sure the honey marinade does not burn.
I heard if you add a little beer to it that it was better. What do you think?
Hi Bill- I have never tried doing that so I can’t speak to that. Sorry!
What do I do with the Crushed pineapple after using the pineapple juice ??
Add it to cottage cheese!
Amazing!! This from a rookie male chef. PANDA KITCHEN WILL NEVER SEE ME AGAIN.
Yesss! Best comment ever. Way to go, Mike!
This was a bit of a vinegar bomb. Also, used minced garlic but it had no garlic flavor. Should we be using garlic powder instead?
Would like to give this another try with the right kind of garlic and maybe a tablespoon of vinegar.
These were really good, but did have a little kick!