Description
This Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe features tender, juicy boneless chicken thighs cooked in a flavorful homemade honey garlic sauce. With a balance of sweet honey and savory soy sauce, accented by fresh garlic and onion, this dish is a quick and delicious weeknight meal that is both comforting and impressive.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 8 (5 ounce) boneless chicken thighs
- Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, or as needed
Sauce
- ½ medium onion, finely chopped
- 7 cloves garlic, chopped (or to taste)
- 1 cup honey
- ½ cup soy sauce
- 1 pinch onion powder, or to taste
- 1 pinch garlic powder, or to taste
Garnish
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Season the boneless chicken thighs on both sides with salt and ground black pepper according to your taste. Set aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Brown the chicken: Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs and brown them on one side for about 3 to 5 minutes, allowing a golden crust to form.
- Sauté onion and garlic with chicken: Flip the chicken thighs over. Immediately add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is almost cooked through and the onion and garlic are softened, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken thighs to a plate.
- Prepare the sauce: Add honey, soy sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder to the skillet. Stir well and scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to incorporate the sautéed garlic and onion into the sauce.
- Simmer the chicken in sauce: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet. Cover the pan and reduce the heat to medium. Cook for about 10 more minutes, turning the thighs once halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (74°C).
- Serve and garnish: Arrange the cooked chicken thighs onto a serving plate. Drizzle with the pan sauce and sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro just before serving for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through (165°F/74°C).
- You can substitute chicken breasts if preferred, but cooking time may vary.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
- Adjust garlic and honey amounts based on personal taste preferences.
- Serve over steamed rice or with your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.
