Honey Garlic Chicken
Juicy chicken thighs glazed in a sticky, caramelized honey garlic sauce that balances sweet and savory in every bite.
Details
Ingredients
- 8 bone-in chicken thighs
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- 1
Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.
- 2
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken skin-side down for 5-6 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip and cook 3 minutes more. Remove and set aside.
- 3
In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 4
Whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Pour into the skillet and bring to a simmer.
- 5
Return chicken to the skillet. Spoon sauce over the top. Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes until chicken reaches 74°C (165°F) internally.
- 6
Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook 1 minute until sauce thickens and turns glossy.
- 7
Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve over steamed rice.
About This Recipe
Few dishes capture the irresistible allure of sweet and savory quite like Honey Garlic Chicken, a beloved staple of Asian-American home cooking and takeout menus. This comfort food classic expertly marries the rich umami of soy sauce with the golden sweetness of honey and the pungent warmth of fresh garlic, all brought together by a touch of tangy rice vinegar and aromatic sesame oil. The magic happens as the simple sauce reduces and thickens around succulent, bone-in chicken thighs, creating a glossy, caramelized glaze that clings to every bite. Choosing bone-in, skin-on thighs is crucial here; the skin renders to crisp perfection, locking in moisture and infusing the meat with unparalleled depth, while the bones add extra flavor to the pan drippings. A cornstarch slurry is the secret to achieving that signature sticky texture, transforming the sauce from thin liquid to a sumptuous coating. While traditionally served with steamed white rice to soak up every last drop of the glorious sauce, this versatile dish welcomes variations: a dash of fresh ginger for extra zest, a sprinkle of chili flakes for a gentle kick, or a medley of stir-fried broccoli and bell peppers for added nutrition. Garnish generously with toasted sesame seeds and vibrant green onions to complete this truly satisfying culinary experience.
Tips & Tricks
- • For perfectly crispy chicken skin, ensure your pan is adequately hot and the chicken is patted very dry before searing, skin-side down first. Don't crowd the pan, and resist moving the chicken until the skin is deeply golden brown to achieve maximum crispness and avoid sticking.
- • If using boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, reduce the cooking time by about 5-7 minutes per side to prevent drying out. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- • This dish reheats beautifully; store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if the sauce has become too thick.
- • Elevate your meal by serving this chicken alongside fluffy steamed jasmine rice and a crisp, refreshing side salad like a simple cucumber and red onion salad dressed with rice vinegar, or blanched green beans tossed with a hint of sesame oil.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (approximate)