These Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs are perfectly juicy on the inside with a sticky, caramelized glaze on the outside.
Sweet honey, savory garlic, and umami-rich soy sauce come together in one pan for a dinner that tastes like it came from your favorite restaurant — but is easy enough for a busy weeknight.

This recipe is a proven crowd-pleaser and one of the most searched chicken thigh recipes for a reason.

⭐ Why This Goes Viral

• Crispy, golden chicken thighs with a sticky glaze

• Sweet and savory flavor balance everyone loves

• Made in one pan with pantry staples

• Perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or entertaining

⏱️ Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 40 minutes

• Servings: 4–6

🛒 Ingredients

Chicken

• 2½ lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless if preferred)

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp paprika

• 1 tbsp olive oil

Honey Garlic Sauce

• ⅓ cup honey

• ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)

• 5 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar

• 1 tbsp water

• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional, for heat)

Garnish (Optional)

• Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped

• Sesame seeds

🔪 Prep Notes (Chef’s Guidance)

• Skin-on thighs deliver the best flavor and crispiness.

• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure proper browning.

• Use low-sodium soy sauce to keep the glaze balanced, not salty.

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Season the Chicken

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

2. Sear for Crispy Skin

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Place chicken skin-side down and cook 6–8 minutes until deeply golden and crispy.

Flip and cook 3–4 minutes more. Remove chicken and set aside.

3. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

In the same pan (lower heat to medium), add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

Whisk in honey, soy sauce, vinegar, water, and chili flakes.
Bring to a gentle simmer.

4. Glaze the Chicken

Return chicken to the pan, skin-side up.
Spoon sauce over the thighs.

Simmer uncovered 12–15 minutes, occasionally basting, until chicken is fully cooked and sauce thickens into a glossy glaze.

5. Finish & Rest

Remove from heat and let rest 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.

Garnish with parsley or green onions and sesame seeds.

🍽️ How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

• Steamed jasmine or basmati rice

• Roasted broccoli or green beans

• Mashed potatoes or buttery noodles

🔥 Pro-Tip for Next-Level Results

For restaurant-style caramelization, place the pan under the broiler for 1–2 minutes after glazing. Watch closely — the honey will bubble and lacquer the chicken beautifully.