Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs with Soy Sauce Glaze

Introduction

If you’re craving a meal that’s both comforting and full of flavor, Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs with Soy Sauce Glaze is the perfect choice. This dish combines the natural richness of chicken thighs with a sticky, sweet, and savory glaze made from honey, garlic, and soy sauce. The result is juicy chicken coated in a glossy, caramelized sauce that clings to every bite.

This recipe strikes a balance between sweet, salty, and umami flavors, making it versatile enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for entertaining guests. Paired with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables, it’s a dish that transforms simple ingredients into something truly irresistible.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple yet packed with flavor. Chicken thighs are naturally juicy and tender, and when coated with a sticky honey garlic soy glaze, they become absolutely mouthwatering. What makes this dish even more special is how adaptable it is—you can make it spicy, add sesame seeds, or even turn it into a one-pan meal with vegetables.

It’s the kind of dish that makes your kitchen smell incredible and has everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, meaning you can enjoy restaurant-quality flavors at home without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Perfect balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness.
• Uses everyday ingredients you probably already have.
• Great for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
• Juicy, tender chicken thighs that never dry out.
• Flexible—works with rice, noodles, or even in a lettuce wrap.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30–35 minutes
• Total Time: 40–45 minutes

Servings & Nutrition

• Servings: 4
• Calories (per serving): ~390–420 kcal
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Ingredients

For the Chicken Thighs:

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless if preferred)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or olive oil)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Honey Garlic Soy Glaze:

• ⅓ cup honey
• ¼ cup soy sauce (use low-sodium if preferred)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

Garnish (Optional):

• Sesame seeds
• Sliced green onions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
   • Season with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Sear the Chicken:
   • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Place chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 5–6 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
   • Flip and cook for another 5–6 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. Make the Glaze:
   • In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium.
   • Add garlic and ginger (if using), sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
   • Stir in honey, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, and chili flakes.
   • Simmer for 2–3 minutes until sauce begins to thicken.
4. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
   • Return chicken thighs to the skillet.
   • Spoon glaze over the chicken and simmer for 15–20 minutes until chicken is fully cooked (internal temp 165°F / 74°C) and sauce is sticky.
5. Finish and Garnish:
   • Once cooked, spoon extra sauce over the thighs.
   • Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.

How to Serve

• Serve hot with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or noodles.
• Pair with stir-fried or steamed vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, or snap peas.
• For a lighter option, serve in lettuce wraps with cucumber and carrot strips.

Recipe Tips

• Patting chicken dry ensures crispier skin.
• Use boneless thighs for quicker cooking (reduce simmering time by ~10 minutes).
• Add cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) if you prefer a thicker glaze.
• Taste the sauce before simmering—adjust honey for sweetness or soy sauce for saltiness.

Variations

• Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken: Add more chili flakes or sriracha.
• Sticky Teriyaki Version: Swap honey with brown sugar and add mirin.
• Garlic-Lime Chicken: Replace vinegar with lime juice for a citrusy twist.
• Sesame Honey Chicken: Add toasted sesame seeds into the sauce for a nuttier flavor.
• Vegetable Add-In: Cook bell peppers, onions, or zucchini in the sauce along with chicken.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken (with sauce) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.
• Reheating Tip: Add a splash of water or chicken broth when reheating to loosen the glaze.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Tongs (for turning chicken)
• Meat thermometer (to check doneness)

Conclusion

Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs with Soy Sauce Glaze is a dish that’s comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to prepare. With its irresistible sweet-and-savory glaze, this recipe transforms simple chicken into a restaurant-worthy meal. It’s versatile enough to pair with rice, noodles, or veggies, making it a go-to dish for both weeknight meals and special occasions.

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing, flavorful, and easy chicken recipe, this one is a must-try—you’ll keep coming back for more.

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Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs with Soy Sauce Glaze

Author: admin Cuisine: Asian-Inspired Courses: Chicken

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 35 mins Total Time 45 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: 390–420 kcal per serving

Description

If you’re craving a meal that’s both comforting and full of flavor, Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs with Soy Sauce Glaze is the perfect choice. This dish combines the natural richness of chicken thighs with a sticky, sweet, and savory glaze made from honey, garlic, and soy sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Chicken Thighs:

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless if preferred)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or olive oil)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Honey Garlic Soy Glaze:

• ⅓ cup honey
• ¼ cup soy sauce (use low-sodium if preferred)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

Garnish (Optional):

• Sesame seeds
• Sliced green onions

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 5–6 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook for another 5–6 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. Make the Glaze: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add garlic and ginger (if using), sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Stir in honey, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, and chili flakes. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until sauce begins to thicken.
4. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return chicken thighs to the skillet. Spoon glaze over the chicken and simmer for 15–20 minutes until chicken is fully cooked (internal temp 165°F / 74°C) and sauce is sticky.
5. Finish and Garnish: Once cooked, spoon extra sauce over the thighs. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.

Keywords: Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs with Soy Sauce Glaze