Juicy chicken thighs coated in a sticky honey garlic glaze, cooked to perfection in a skillet for an easy and flavorful dinner.

Servings: 4

Darlin’, there’s something magical about the combination of sweet honey and savory garlic—especially when it’s glazed over juicy chicken thighs. This Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe is simple, delicious, and made entirely in one skillet. Whether you’re cooking for the family or whipping up a cozy dinner for two, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Let’s grab that skillet, sugar, and make some magic happen!

Ingredients

6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or bone-in if preferred)
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
¼ cup honey
2 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
1 tbsp rice vinegar or fresh lime juice
1 tsp hot sauce (optional, for a spicy kick)
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Lime wedges (optional, for serving)

Supplies Needed

Large skillet or cast-iron pan
Tongs
Measuring spoons

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove and set aside.

Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and hot sauce (if using). Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Combine and Glaze

Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, turning them to coat evenly in the sauce. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, spooning the sauce over the chicken as it simmers.

Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley and lime wedges if desired. Serve hot with rice, roasted veggies, or a crisp salad.

Storage Tips

Refrigerator

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

Freezer

Freeze cooked chicken thighs in the honey garlic sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Recipe Tips & Tricks

For crispy skin, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and sear the skin side down first.
Add veggies like Brussels sprouts or broccoli to the skillet during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a one-pan meal.
Substitute maple syrup for honey for a slightly different sweetness.

Variations

Hot Honey Lime Chicken Thighs

Add 1 tbsp hot honey and 1 tbsp fresh lime juice to the sauce for a tangy, spicy twist.

One-Pot Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies

Cook the chicken with halved Brussels sprouts or baby potatoes for an easy, hearty meal.

Low-Sodium Option

Use low-sodium soy sauce and skip the salt in the seasoning.

FAQ

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but adjust the cooking time as chicken breasts cook faster than thighs.

What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

Can I make this dairy-free?
The recipe is naturally dairy-free—just double-check your hot sauce or soy sauce for any hidden ingredients.

Darlin’, these Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs are so good they might just become a weekly staple in your kitchen. With that sticky, flavorful glaze and juicy chicken, they’re sure to have everyone at the table licking their plates clean. So grab your skillet, sugar, and let’s get this easy deliciousness cooking!

Sweetheart, this post might have a few affiliate links tucked in. That just means if you click and buy, Mama Bear gets a little commission—just enough to keep the pantry stocked with honey and garlic. Thank you kindly for your support!