The Ultimate Recipe for Sticky, Flavorful Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs: Your New Weeknight Favorite

If you are searching for that perfect weeknight dinner that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, look no further. This recipe for Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs promises a sticky, savory, and perfectly sweet glaze that rivals any takeout dish. Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs guarantees juicy tenderness every single time, soaking up the intoxicating blend of soy sauce, fresh garlic, and golden honey. Forget bland chicken this is a one-pan wonder ready in under 30 minutes, making it the ideal solution for busy evenings when comfort food is a necessity.

The beauty of the Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe lies in its simplicity. We first create a deep, caramelized sear on the chicken before reducing the luscious honey garlic sauce to a thick, glossy glaze. This technique ensures every morsel of chicken is coated in an intensely flavorful, sticky coating. Prepare to make this recipe a permanent fixture in your rotation. It pairs beautifully with everything from fluffy rice and steamed broccoli to a fresh, crisp salad. Let’s dive into how you can master this crowd-pleasing, globally-inspired dish today.

Why You’ll Love These Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

It’s no exaggeration to say that this recipe has transformed dinner time for countless home cooks. But what specifically makes these Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs so irresistible? It comes down to a perfect trifecta of convenience, flavor, and texture that sets it apart from typical weeknight chicken dishes.

Speed and Convenience: A True Weeknight Winner

In today’s fast-paced world, time is precious. One of the biggest reasons you’ll fall in love with this easy chicken dinner is its remarkable speed. From start to finish, this dish requires less than 30 minutes. The active cooking time is minimal, relying mostly on the searing process and a quick simmer. The sauce comes together while the chicken sears, minimizing downtime and maximizing efficiency. For those nights when you walk in the door tired and hungry, knowing you can whip up restaurant-quality Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs faster than ordering pizza is a massive advantage.

The Irresistible Sticky Glaze

The signature component of this dish is undoubtedly the thick, glossy, and sticky glaze. Unlike thin sauces that slide right off the chicken, our method uses a cornstarch slurry to instantly transform the savory-sweet liquid into a luxurious coating. This sticky glaze is the perfect balance of sweet from the honey, savory depth from the soy sauce, and a slight tang from the apple cider vinegar, beautifully punctuated by the sharp warmth of fresh ginger and garlic. Every bite of the chicken is guaranteed to be enveloped in flavor.

The Magic of Chicken Thighs

While this sauce would be delicious on any protein, using chicken thighs is a non-negotiable step for achieving the perfect texture. Chicken breasts can often dry out during the searing and simmering process, but boneless, skinless chicken thighs are forgiving. Their naturally higher fat content keeps them incredibly moist and tender, even when bathed in the simmering sauce. They absorb the flavor profile of the best chicken marinade and glaze better than any other cut, ensuring every piece of the finished Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs is succulent and bursting with flavor.

Family-Friendly Flavor

The flavor profile of honey garlic is universally appealing. It’s sweet enough to satisfy children who might be picky eaters, yet complex enough with the addition of fresh ginger and vinegar to keep adult palates engaged. This means you can serve these sticky chicken thighs to guests, family, and even skeptical teenagers, knowing they will almost certainly ask for seconds. It truly is one of the most reliable and beloved recipes in the international comfort food landscape.

Why You Should Make This Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe Today

Perhaps you already have a basic honey garlic recipe in your arsenal. So, what makes this specific rendition of Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs the version you should commit to memory and make tonight? This recipe is optimized not just for flavor, but for technique, guaranteeing professional-level results in a home kitchen setting.

Mastering the Sear for Flavor Depth

Many quick skillet chicken recipes skip the crucial step of a deep sear, or browning. By dedicating 3 to 4 minutes per side to searing the seasoned chicken thighs before they hit the sauce, we unlock maximum flavor through the Maillard reaction. This process creates a complex, savory crust that stands up beautifully against the sweetness of the glaze. This depth of flavor is what differentiates a good honey garlic chicken from a truly spectacular one. When we reduce the sauce later, we scrape up these browned bits (known as fonds), incorporating that intense flavor directly into the glaze, making the final coating richer and more satisfying.

The Power of Fresh Ingredients

While powdered garlic and dried ginger have their place, the inclusion of fresh, finely minced garlic and grated ginger in this recipe is paramount. Fresh garlic provides a sharpness and warmth that powder simply cannot replicate. Similarly, fresh ginger adds an aromatic, slightly spicy lift that cuts through the sweetness of the honey and balances the richness of the soy sauce. These fresh additions elevate the seared chicken thighs from a simple dish to an aromatic culinary experience. If you love bold flavor profiles, the fresh components are non-negotiable.

Achieving the Perfect Glaze Consistency

The thickening process in Step 6 is scientifically engineered for perfection. We use cornstarch mixed into a cold-water slurry. This prevents clumping and allows the sauce to transform instantly into a cohesive, glossy glaze when whisked into the hot, simmering liquid. Knowing exactly when and how to thicken the glaze ensures that you don’t end up with a watery sauce or, worse, an overly thick, gluey mess. The result is a vibrant, sticky coating that clings perfectly to the contours of the Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs.

Budget-Friendly and Better Than Takeout

Let’s face it: eating out or ordering delivery is expensive. Chicken thighs are one of the most economical cuts of meat available, and combined with simple pantry staples like soy sauce and honey, this meal is incredibly cost-effective. Furthermore, because you control the ingredients, you can choose low-sodium options and avoid unnecessary fillers or excessive sugar often found in pre-made sauces. Making this recipe at home provides superior flavor and peace of mind regarding the quality of your meal, proving that a truly magnificent dinner doesn’t have to break the bank.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils for Perfect Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Success in cooking begins with preparation. Having all your ingredients measured and tools ready (mise en place) ensures a smooth, quick cooking process, especially for a fast-moving dish like these seared chicken thighs.

Detailed Ingredient List: Precise Quantities for Success

We break down the ingredients into three key components: the chicken, the sauce, and the finishing garnish.

For the Chicken Preparation:

• 8 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Approximately 2.5 pounds total. Thighs are superior for this recipe due to their moisture content.
• 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning the meat before searing. Kosher salt provides a clean, impactful salinity.
• 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper: Freshly ground pepper offers the best flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder: Used in the initial seasoning rub to layer flavor onto the meat itself, complementing the fresh garlic in the sauce.
• 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil: Essential for achieving a high heat sear. Choose an oil with a medium-high smoke point.

For the Honey Garlic Sauce (The Sticky Glaze):

• 1/2 cup Soy Sauce (Low Sodium Preferred): Provides the necessary salty, umami base. Using low sodium allows you to control the salt content precisely, especially since the chicken is seasoned separately.
• 1/2 cup Honey: The primary sweetening agent, responsible for the sticky glaze texture. Use good quality liquid honey.
• 1/4 cup Water or Chicken Broth: Used to slightly thin the sauce base, allowing it to simmer and reduce to concentrate flavor. Broth adds an extra layer of savory depth.
• 4 cloves Garlic, finely minced: We use a substantial amount of fresh garlic to ensure its presence is known, creating true Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs.
• 1 Tablespoon Fresh Ginger, grated (optional but highly recommended): Ginger provides a necessary aromatic kick that balances the richness of the soy and honey. Use a microplane or grater for the best texture.
• 1 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV): This is the secret ingredient that prevents the sauce from becoming cloyingly sweet. The vinegar provides a crucial acidic lift and tang.
• 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil: Added for its distinct, nutty aroma, which enhances the Asian-inspired flavor profile. Add this only to the sauce mixture, not for searing.
• 1 teaspoon Cornstarch: The thickening agent. It must be mixed into a slurry before use to prevent lumps.

For Garnish (Optional but Recommended):

• 1 teaspoon Sesame Seeds: Adds visual appeal and a delicate crunch.
• 2 Tablespoons Fresh Parsley or Chopped Green Onions: Provides freshness, color contrast, and a final burst of light flavor. Green onions (scallions) are traditional for this type of dish.

Why Chicken Thighs are the Star

Choosing boneless, skinless chicken thighs over breasts is integral to the success of this Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe. Thighs contain more intramuscular fat and connective tissue, which renders during cooking, keeping the meat moist. This means that even after the initial high-heat sear and the subsequent 10-minute simmer in the sauce, the chicken remains incredibly tender and flavorful. They are perfect for absorbing the thick, savory-sweet sauce.

For more great chicken recipes that capitalize on tenderness and flavor absorption, check out this guide on making Chicken Paella: A Step-by-Step Guide to Paella Perfection.

Necessary Utensils and Tools

To ensure a seamless cooking experience, gather these essential kitchen tools:

• Large Skillet or Frying Pan (Cast Iron or Stainless Steel): A large pan is critical. It must be able to hold all 8 chicken thighs without overcrowding for effective searing. Stainless steel or cast iron provides the best heat retention for a deep, even sear.
• Tongs: Essential for handling the chicken during searing and flipping, minimizing loss of the precious seasoning.
• Small Bowls and Whisk: Needed for mixing the seasoning, preparing the sauce, and creating the cornstarch slurry.
• Microplane/Grater: If using fresh ginger, this tool makes grating effortless.
• Lid: Needed for Step 5, allowing the chicken to steam and fully cook through in the sauce.
• Paper Towels: Absolutely crucial for patting the chicken dry before seasoning.
• Instant-Read Meat Thermometer (Highly Recommended): The only way to guarantee the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) without overcooking.

Detailed Recipe Steps: Mastering the Honey Garlic Glaze

Follow these detailed steps carefully to achieve perfectly cooked, deeply flavored Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs with a stunning, sticky glaze.

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

The Golden Rule of Searing: Dry Chicken is Happy Chicken.

Begin by taking your 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs and patting them completely dry using paper towels. Moisture on the surface of the meat prevents browning; drying ensures you get a beautiful, deep golden-brown crust, which is essential for maximizing the flavor of these seared chicken thighs.

In a small bowl, combine the seasoning mixture: 1 teaspoon Kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Sprinkle this seasoning evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs. Rub the seasoning gently into the meat so it adheres well.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Heat the 1 tablespoon of olive oil or vegetable oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when it is shimmering hot enough to cause instant sizzling but not smoking.

Carefully place the seasoned chicken thighs into the hot pan. Crucial Tip: Ensure the pieces are not overcrowded. If your pan is medium-sized, work in two batches. Overcrowding cools the pan temperature, which leads to steaming instead of searing, preventing that beautiful crust.

Sear the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes per side until they develop a deeply golden-brown crust. They should release easily from the pan when ready to flip. Remember: The chicken will not be cooked through at this stage; we are just building flavor. Remove the seared chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.

Step 3: Whisk the Honey Garlic Sauce and Slurry

While the pan is still warm (reduce the heat to medium-low if necessary to prevent burning any residue), prepare the sauce ingredients.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce (low sodium), honey, water or broth, the 4 cloves of finely minced garlic, the grated ginger (if using), apple cider vinegar, and sesame oil. Give it a good whisk until the honey is dissolved.

Now, prepare the cornstarch slurry: In a separate, very small bowl, mix the 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water until it forms a smooth, milky liquid. The slurry must be completely smooth with no lumps. Set the slurry aside; we won’t use it until the very end.

Step 4: Reduce the Sauce

Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce mixture into the large skillet. Increase the heat slightly to medium. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.

Using a wooden spoon or spatula, aggressively scrape up any browned bits (the “fonds”) from the bottom of the pan. These bits are caramelized chicken and seasoning and add tremendous depth of flavor to your sauce. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to slightly thicken and reduce you should see steam and bubbles, and the liquid level should drop slightly.

Step 5: Return the Chicken and Finish Cooking

Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, placing them directly into the simmering sauce. They should be partially submerged.

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and let the chicken simmer gently in the honey garlic sauce for 8 to 10 minutes. This simmering time finishes the cooking process and allows the chicken to absorb the sauce flavor.

Essential Safety Check: Flip the chicken pieces halfway through the simmering time to ensure they are evenly coated. Check the internal temperature; the chicken is done when it registers 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.

Step 6: Thicken the Glaze

Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove the thighs from the skillet and place them back onto the clean plate you used earlier. Keep them warm.

Increase the heat under the skillet to medium or medium-high and bring the remaining sauce back to a rapid, rolling simmer. Now, take the cornstarch slurry (give it a quick stir again before pouring, as cornstarch settles) and whisk it into the sauce quickly and continuously.

The sauce should immediately thicken into a glossy, sticky glaze within 30 to 60 seconds. Do not overcook the sauce after adding the slurry, or it may lose its glossy sheen. Remove the skillet from the heat immediately after achieving the desired thickness.

Step 7: Glaze and Serve Your Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Return the cooked chicken thighs to the skillet. Use tongs to toss them gently in the sticky, beautiful honey garlic glaze until they are completely coated and shimmering.

Serve the Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs hot, drizzled generously with any excess sauce and glaze remaining in the pan. Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh green onions or parsley before serving with rice or noodles.

Tips, Variations, and Pro Hacks for Your Best Chicken Thighs

While the basic recipe yields phenomenal results, knowing a few variations and tips can help you tailor the dish to specific dietary needs or preferences, ensuring these Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs are perfect every time.

Ingredient Alternatives and Dietary Swaps

• Gluten-Free Variation: To make this entirely gluten-free, swap standard soy sauce for Tamari or certified gluten-free soy sauce. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
• Vegan/Vegetarian Version: This sauce is so good it can easily coat plant-based proteins. Use extra-firm tofu (pressed and cubed), seitan, or large portobello mushroom caps instead of chicken thighs. Sear the protein until golden, then proceed with the sauce steps. For an appetizer, try it with deep-fried vegetable spring rolls.
• Sweetener Swap: If you don’t have honey, pure maple syrup or brown rice syrup works well as a substitute, although the flavor profile will shift slightly.
• Vinegar Alternatives: Rice vinegar can be used in place of apple cider vinegar, providing a slightly milder, more traditional Asian flavor.

Cooking Variations: Oven and Air Fryer

If you prefer a hands-off approach after the initial sear, or if you are cooking a large batch, you can finish the Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs in the oven or air fryer.

Oven Method:

1. Follow Step 1 and Step 2 exactly (season and sear the chicken).
2. Place the seared thighs in a baking dish.
3. Prepare the sauce (Step 3). Pour the sauce over the chicken in the baking dish (do not thicken it yet).
4. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Remove chicken, drain the sauce into a small saucepan, and follow Step 6 (thicken the glaze with the cornstarch slurry). Return the sauce to the dish and toss to coat.

Air Fryer Method:

1. Season the chicken (Step 1). Lightly spray the air fryer basket.
2. Air fry at 380°F (195°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
3. While the chicken cooks, prepare and thicken the glaze in the skillet (Steps 3, 4, and 6).
4. Toss the fully cooked air-fried chicken thighs recipe directly into the sticky glaze in the skillet and serve immediately.

Pro Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes

• Do Not Skip Drying the Chicken: This is the most common error in searing. If the chicken is wet, it will stick and steam, resulting in a gray, rubbery exterior instead of a golden crust.
• The Slurry Must Be Cold: Always mix cornstarch with cold liquid before adding it to a hot sauce. Adding dry cornstarch or mixing it with hot water will cause it to seize up and form immediate, unfixable lumps.
• Watch the Heat: When reducing the sauce (Step 4), keep the heat medium. If the heat is too high, the high honey content can burn or caramelize too quickly, resulting in a bitter flavor before the chicken is done cooking.
• Don’t Over-Reduce the Sauce: When thickening the final glaze (Step 6), only whisk in the slurry once the sauce is at a rapid simmer. The thickening process happens almost instantly, so remove it from the heat as soon as it coats the back of a spoon.

If you enjoy this kind of simple, highly flavorful cooking, be sure to follow our board Noelia’s Recipes Blog on Pinterest for more quick chicken recipes and dinner inspiration!

Nutritional Values and Health Benefits of Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Beyond being incredibly delicious, this homemade Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe offers several nutritional advantages compared to its restaurant counterparts. When you cook at home, you have complete control over ingredients, especially sodium and sugar levels.

Estimated Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving, Excluding Side Dishes)

While precise nutritional data depends heavily on the size of the thighs and the exact amount of oil absorbed, a single serving (2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs with glaze) generally offers:

• Calories: Approximately 350-450 kcal.
• Protein: High, typically 40-50g. Chicken thighs are an excellent source of lean protein vital for muscle repair and satiety.
• Fats: Medium, approximately 15-25g. This includes healthy monounsaturated fats from the olive oil and natural fats from the chicken thigh.
• Carbohydrates: Moderate, approximately 20-30g. Most carbohydrates come from the honey used in the glaze.
• Key Minerals: Rich in Iron, Zinc, and B vitamins (Niacin, B6, B12).

Note: To lower the carbohydrate count, you can reduce the amount of honey used by 1/4 cup and use a natural sugar substitute if desired, though this will change the final texture of the sticky glaze.

Benefits of Key Ingredients

This dish doesn’t just taste good; it incorporates several ingredients known for their positive health attributes:

1. Chicken Thighs (Protein and Iron): Chicken is a complete protein source, providing all essential amino acids. Chicken thighs, in particular, are higher in heme iron than breast meat, which is more readily absorbed by the body and crucial for preventing anemia and supporting energy levels.

2. Garlic (Immune Support): We use 4 cloves of fresh garlic, which is high in allicin a sulfur compound known for its potent immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties. Regular consumption of garlic is linked to improved cardiovascular health.

3. Ginger (Digestive Aid): Fresh ginger contains gingerol, a bioactive compound with powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It is traditionally used to aid digestion and help soothe upset stomachs.

4. Honey (Natural Energy): Honey is a natural source of sugars, providing quick energy. Unlike refined sugar, high-quality raw honey contains trace amounts of minerals, enzymes, and antioxidants, making it a slightly better choice for sweetening sauces.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar (Acidity and Balance): ACV is often credited with helping to balance blood sugar levels and improving insulin sensitivity. In this recipe, it plays a key role in balancing the overall flavor, making the meal feel less heavy.

By opting for homemade Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs and choosing low-sodium soy sauce, you get to enjoy a rich, satisfying dinner that is nutritionally robust, high in protein, and free from the excessive oil and artificial flavorings often found in fast-food alternatives.

FAQs About Making Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

We’ve gathered answers to the most common questions people ask when preparing this amazing Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe, ensuring your cooking experience is flawless.

Conclusion: Your New Favorite Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe

If you followed this guide, you have successfully created the most succulent, flavor-packed, and perfectly glazed Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs imaginable. This dish represents the ideal marriage of simple technique and powerful flavors a perfect sear for depth, fresh aromatics for brightness, and a skillfully thickened glaze for that signature sticky coating.

This recipe proves that fast weeknight meals don’t have to compromise on quality or taste. By using the forgiving chicken thigh, incorporating key fresh ingredients like ginger and garlic, and mastering the quick cornstarch slurry technique, you have created a dish that will quickly become a favorite for everyone who sits down at your table. Whether you serve them alongside rice, vegetables, or perhaps even paired with a traditional Spanish side like Gambas al Ajillo as a starter, these chicken thighs are guaranteed to impress.

Don’t hesitate to share your culinary creation! If you enjoyed making these seared chicken thighs and reveling in that glorious sticky glaze, leave a comment below telling us what you served them with. Save this recipe now, bookmark it, and prepare to elevate your weeknight dinner game permanently with the ultimate Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs.

Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs (Skillet Recipe)

Tender, boneless chicken thighs seared until golden and simmered in a rich, glossy glaze made with honey, savory soy sauce, and plenty of fresh garlic. This quick and easy weeknight meal is ready in under 45 minutes.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Asian, Fusion

Calories: 480

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken

• 8 Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (approximately 2.5 pounds total)
• 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 Tablespoon Olive oil or vegetable oil for searing

For the Honey Garlic Sauce

• 1/2 cup Soy sauce low sodium preferred
• 1/2 cup Honey
• 1/4 cup Water or chicken broth
• 4 cloves Garlic finely minced
• 1 Tablespoon Fresh ginger grated (optional)
• 1 Tablespoon Apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon Cornstarch for thickening

For Garnish (Optional)

• 1 teaspoon Sesame seeds
• 2 Tablespoons Fresh parsley or chopped green onions

Equipment

• Large Skillet or Frying Pan
• Whisk
• Small Mixing Bowls

Method

 

Instructions

1. Pat the chicken thighs completely dry using paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a nice sear. In a small bowl, combine the kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs.
2. Heat the 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the seasoned chicken thighs into the hot pan. Ensure the pieces are not overcrowded; work in batches if necessary. Sear the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes per side until deeply golden brown. The chicken will not be cooked through at this stage. Remove the seared chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
3. While the pan is still warm (reduce heat to medium-low if necessary), prepare the sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, water or broth, minced garlic, grated ginger (if using), apple cider vinegar, and sesame oil. In a separate very small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water to create a smooth slurry. Set the slurry aside for later.
4. Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce mixture into the large skillet. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—these bits add tremendous flavor to the sauce. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to slightly thicken and reduce.
5. Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, placing them directly into the simmering sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let the chicken simmer gently in the sauce for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the thighs are fully cooked and tender. Flip the chicken pieces halfway through the simmering time to ensure they are evenly coated.
6. Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove the thighs from the skillet and place them back onto the clean plate. Increase the heat under the skillet to medium and bring the remaining sauce back to a rapid simmer. Whisk in the cornstarch slurry quickly and continuously. The sauce should immediately thicken into a glossy, sticky glaze within 30 to 60 seconds. Remove the skillet from the heat immediately after thickening.
7. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet and toss them gently in the sticky honey garlic glaze until they are completely coated. Serve the honey garlic chicken thighs hot, drizzled with any excess sauce from the pan. Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh green onions or parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve these sticky honey garlic chicken thighs over a bed of steamed white rice or brown rice, and alongside a simple steamed vegetable like broccoli or green beans to complete the meal. For a spicier kick, add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture in Step 3.