There’s nothing quite like juicy, tender chicken for dinner, and these Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs deliver every single time. This honey garlic chicken thighs recipe is quick, easy, and packed with bold sweet-and-savory flavors that your whole family will love.
It’s one of those easy weeknight chicken recipes that is comforting, irresistible, and so delicious—all while being ready in just 25 minutes!
What are Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs?
Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs are a simple but mouth-watering dish where tender chicken thighs are marinated, air fried (or pan-fried or baked) until golden, and coated in a sticky, garlicky sauce.
This honey garlic chicken recipe balances sweet honey with soy sauce and lots of garlic for an unforgettable flavor. If you’ve never tried chicken thigh recipes before, this one will show you just how versatile and juicy they can be.
Why You’ll Love Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
- Quick and easy: This honey garlic chicken recipe is ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights.
- Family-friendly: The sweet-and-savory honey garlic chicken sauce is one that both kids and adults can’t resist.
- Super juicy: Using chicken thighs means every bite is tender, flavorful, and never dry.
- Crispy yet saucy: The chicken cooks up golden in the air fryer, then gets coated in a sticky garlic glaze for the best of both worlds. If you don't have an air fryer, you can also bake or pan-fry the chicken.
- Versatile: Serve with rice, noodles, or whatever veggies you desire!
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are juicy, tender, and perfect for this recipe. You can also use bone-in chicken thighs or chicken breast if you'd like but you need to adjust the cook time.
- Soy sauce: Adds deep umami and saltiness to balance the sweetness of the honey.
- Honey: Brings natural sweetness and helps create that irresistible sticky glaze.
- Garlic powder & onion powder: Simple pantry spices that boost savory flavor in the marinade.
- Salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balance.
- Rice vinegar: A little tang to brighten up the honey garlic chicken sauce.
- Minced garlic: The star ingredient that gives this chicken thigh recipe bold flavor.
- Sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma and depth to the sauce. You can use olive oil instead too.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to make it glossy and cling to the chicken.
- Green onions: Used as a garnish for extra flavor!
Customizations
- Protein swap: Use chicken breasts or wings in place of chicken thighs for a different spin on honey garlic chicken.
- Extra heat: Add red pepper flakes, hot honey, or sriracha to the sauce if you like your chicken thighs spicy.
- Veggie boost: Serve with cauliflower, green beans, broccoli, or bok choy to make it a full easy weeknight meal.
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Marinate the chicken
In a large bowl, mix chicken thighs with soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Marinate for at least 15 minutes or overnight for maximum flavor.
Air fry the chicken
Preheat your air fryer to 425°F. Add the chicken thighs in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and air fry for 11–14 minutes until golden brown and cooked through to 165°F.
If you don't have an air fryer, you can pan-fry the chicken on medium heat for 4-6 minutes on each side or bake at 400F for 25-30 mins. Make sure internal temperature reaches 165F.
Make the honey garlic sauce
While the chicken cooks, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, water, minced garlic, sesame oil, and cornstarch.
Heat a large skillet over medium, pour in the sauce, and cook 1–2 minutes until thickened and glossy.
Combine and serve
Toss the cooked chicken thighs in the sauce until evenly coated.
Slice into strips and serve with fluffy white rice or brown rice, veggies, or your favorite sides. Don’t forget to save a little extra sauce for dipping!
Storage
Store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Tips
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and gets that nice golden exterior.
- Use fresh garlic: It makes the honey garlic chicken sauce extra fragrant and flavorful.
- Let the sauce rest: The honey garlic sauce thickens as it cools, so don’t worry if it looks thin right off the stove.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use chicken breasts instead of boneless chicken thighs?
Yes! Make sure to adjust the time down a bit so the chicken breasts don't dry out
How can I make this gluten-free?
You can use gluten-free cornstarch (or skip it entirely), and substitute soy sauce with gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos.
Can I make this in the slow-cooker?
Yes! Just add the boneless thighs and honey garlic sauce to a slow cooker then cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours (make sure the chicken is cooked through and reaches 165F internal temperature).
You can then reduce the remaining liquid on the stovetop for a few minutes until thickened and glossy.
Other Chicken Recipes You'll Love
Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1.5 pounds chicken thighs boneless, skinless
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper
Honey Garlic Sauce
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon water
- 8-10 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon corn starch
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add chicken thighs, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Marinate for 15 mins up to overnight.
- Preheat air fryer to 425F for a few mins. Add chicken thighs (don’t overcrowd and cook in batches as needed) and air fry for 11-14 mins until browned and cooked through (internal temperature should be 165F or more).
- While the chicken is cooking, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, water, minced garlic, sesame oil, and cornstarch in a bowl and set aside. In a large skillet on medium heat, add the sauce and cook down for 1-2 mins until slightly thickened and syrupy. The sauce will thicken a bit more once cooled down. Turn off the heat and set aside.
- Once the chicken is done, pour the sauce all over and coat evenly (save a little extra sauce for dipping later). Cut the chicken into strips, serve with fluffy white rice, veggies, and other sides you desire.
Argemy Jennings says
I love your recipes! They are soooo delicious!
Herman says
Thank you so much! I'll keep them coming 🙂
Lynda says
This recipe is a keeper
Keep it close
It tastes so delish and it's easy to follow
I must say I did do some minor things
I used maple syrup...because the honey was down the hall in the pantry
I added a small amount of ginger
The ginger was in the basket with the garlic....it begged me to add it
I caved in
Not to much though
My friends loved this dinner
I shared your site with them
I was close to saying I made it up
But that's not fair to you....lol....
Glad I found you
Buen provecho
Herman says
Amazing, thanks for the review and I love your customizations!
Nicole says
Absolutely delicious!! I used 1kg chicken thighs (there was ample marinade), and baked them in the oven for 25 minutes. The chicken was tender, and combined with the sauce and juices was mouth watering. We ate it with jasmine rice. The whole family loved it. Thank you!
Herman says
So glad you liked this recipe Nicole! Thanks for the positive review 🙂