Looking for a dinner recipe that’s quick, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress? This Honey Garlic Chicken hits all the right notes with its crispy, golden chicken thighs and a sticky-sweet garlic-infused sauce. Whether served with rice, noodles, or vegetables, this dish is a comforting and crowd-pleasing favorite. Inspired by I Wuv Cooking, it’s a must-try for your next family meal.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
This Honey Garlic Chicken strikes the perfect balance between savory and sweet. The golden chicken skin soaks up a thick, glossy sauce made from honey, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil, creating a dish that’s simple yet packed with flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it’s both easy to prepare and absolutely delicious.
Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs (or boneless, skinless thighs)
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup honey (or maple syrup, brown sugar, or corn syrup as substitutes)
- 3 tablespoons cold water
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or white vinegar/apple cider vinegar)
- ½ tablespoon regular soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (or potato starch/tapioca starch)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- If using bone-in chicken thighs, debone them by carefully cutting around the bone with a sharp paring knife.
- Pat the chicken dry on both sides with a paper towel and season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients: garlic, honey, water, vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Set aside.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Place the chicken skin-side down and cook for 4–5 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip the chicken and cook the other side until the meat is cooked through (about 2 minutes) or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F using a digital thermometer.
- Add the Sauce:
- Reduce the heat to low-medium. Pour the honey garlic sauce into the pan around the chicken.
- Let the sauce thicken as it simmers, flipping the chicken over so the skin side absorbs the sauce for about 15 seconds, then flipping it back.
- Finish and Serve:
- Garnish the chicken with chopped green onions.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board, slice into smaller pieces if desired, and serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.
Tips for Perfect Honey Garlic Chicken
- Use Skin-On Chicken: For maximum flavor and crispy texture, keep the skin on while cooking.
- Customize the Sweetness: Adjust the amount of honey to suit your taste, or try maple syrup for a slightly different flavor.
- Pair It Right: Serve over jasmine rice, steamed vegetables, or stir-fried noodles to complete the meal.
- Make It Extra Crispy: If you like your chicken extra crispy, finish it under the broiler for 1–2 minutes after cooking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Honey Garlic Chicken is a simple yet sophisticated dish that combines crispy textures with a sticky, flavorful glaze. It’s versatile enough to pair with various sides, quick to prepare, and always a hit with family and guests alike. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation.
Did you make this recipe? Share your experience in the comments, and check out I Wuv Cooking for more irresistible meal ideas. Don’t forget to share this dish with friends—it’s too good to keep to yourself!
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