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A plate of fluffy white rice topped with several glistening Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs, generously garnished with fresh green onions.
Daniel

Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

These Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs are incredibly flavorful, featuring tender chicken coated in a luscious, sweet, and savory glaze that's perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Asian-Inspired
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Honey Garlic Sauce
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger grated
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp cold water for cornstarch slurry
For Garnish (Optional)
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds toasted
  • 2 tbsp green onions sliced

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Small saucepan
  • Tongs

Method
 

Prepare the Chicken and Marinade
  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season evenly with salt and black pepper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and sesame oil until well combined.
  3. Add the seasoned chicken thighs to the bowl with the marinade, tossing to ensure all pieces are thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or for up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
Cook the Chicken
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.
  2. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, but do not discard the remaining marinade. Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
  3. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is lightly browned and cooked through.
Make the Glaze
  1. While the chicken is baking, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  2. In a small cup, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until a smooth slurry forms.
  3. Gradually pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering marinade, whisking constantly. Continue to cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking, until the sauce thickens into a glossy, sticky glaze.
Finish and Serve
  1. Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven. Brush generously with the thickened honey garlic glaze.
  2. Return the chicken to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the glaze is beautifully caramelized and sticky. Alternatively, toss the cooked chicken directly in the saucepan with the glaze.
  3. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving immediately. Serve with rice and your favorite steamed vegetables.

Notes

For extra crispiness, you can finish the chicken under the broiler for 1-2 minutes after glazing, watching carefully to prevent burning. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and reheated gently.