Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Thighs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because the chicken turns out incredibly moist, with crisp golden skin and a glaze that’s the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and garlicky. It’s a one-pan meal that’s big on flavor but low on effort. I often make it when I want something that feels special but doesn’t take much time. Plus, it’s great for meal prep and pairs well with everything from rice to roasted vegetables.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/3 cup honey

• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

directions

1. I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. I pat the chicken thighs dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.

3. In an oven-safe skillet, I heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. I sear the chicken, skin-side down, for 3–4 minutes until the skin is golden brown, then flip and cook the other side for 2–3 minutes. I remove the chicken and set it aside.

4. I reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the same skillet, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

5. I stir in the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes. I bring the mixture to a simmer.

6. I return the chicken to the skillet, skin-side up, then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temp reaches 165°F / 74°C).

7. I remove the chicken from the skillet and place the skillet back on the stovetop. I stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer the sauce for 1–2 minutes until thickened.

8. I spoon the glaze over the chicken, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4. It takes 10 minutes to prep, 30 minutes to cook, and is ready in 40 minutes total. Each serving contains approximately 380 kcal.

Variations

Sometimes I add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the sauce for brightness. I’ve also used boneless thighs when I want it to cook faster—just reduce the baking time slightly. For extra heat, I like to toss in a bit more red pepper flakes or even a dash of sriracha. This glaze also works beautifully over salmon or shrimp for a quick seafood twist.

storage/reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm the chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, spooning extra glaze over the top. It also reheats well in the microwave, though I prefer the stovetop for the best texture. I don’t recommend freezing this one, as the glaze can change in consistency.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs?

Yes, I can. Boneless thighs cook a little faster, so I reduce the oven time by about 5 minutes and check for doneness.

What can I serve with honey garlic glazed chicken?

I like serving it with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad to soak up the delicious glaze.

Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes, I cook it ahead and store it in the fridge. The flavors deepen as it sits, and it reheats well for easy leftovers.

How do I make the skin extra crispy?

I make sure to sear the chicken well before baking, and I don’t cover it in the oven so the skin crisps up nicely.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, I use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce.

Conclusion

Honey garlic glazed chicken thighs are one of those dishes that never disappoints. Crispy skin, juicy meat, and a glaze that hits every flavor note—it’s a simple, comforting recipe I reach for again and again. Whether it’s a Sunday dinner or a weeknight favorite, this one always earns a spot at the table.