Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Tender, juicy chicken thighs coated in a sweet, savory, and garlicky glaze. This easy one-pan recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: 40–45 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

Chicken

6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or 8 boneless, skinless thighs)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder

Honey Garlic Sauce

⅓ cup honey
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
1 teaspoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water

Garnish

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
Sliced green onions (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.

Mix together:

Salt
Pepper
Paprika
Garlic powder
Onion powder

Rub the seasoning evenly over both sides of the chicken.

3. Sear

Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
Place the chicken skin-side down.
Cook for 5–6 minutes, until the skin is golden and crisp.
Flip and cook for another 2 minutes.

4. Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together:

Honey
Soy sauce
Garlic
Dijon mustard
Apple cider vinegar
Ginger (if using)

Pour the sauce around the chicken.

5. Bake

Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

6. Thicken the Sauce

Remove the chicken and keep warm.
Place the skillet over medium heat.
Mix the cornstarch with the water to make a slurry.
Stir it into the sauce and cook for 1–2 minutes, until glossy and thickened.
Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top.

7. Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with parsley, sesame seeds, and green onions before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Steamed jasmine or basmati rice
Mashed potatoes
Roasted broccoli or asparagus
Green beans
Buttered noodles
Cauliflower rice for a lower-carb meal

Storage

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Warm gently in a covered skillet with a splash of water or chicken broth, or microwave until heated through.

Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving, using skin-on thighs)

Calories: 390
Protein: 29 g
Fat: 22 g
Carbohydrates: 17 g
Sugar: 15 g
Fiber: 0 g
Sodium: 520 mg

Tips for Success

Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to help the skin crisp.
Fresh garlic provides the best flavor—avoid garlic powder in the sauce if possible.
If using boneless thighs, begin checking for doneness after 18–20 minutes in the oven.
For a hint of heat, add ¼–½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to keep it juicy.