Easy Sweet Savory Honey Garlic Chicken is a flavorful dish featuring bone-in chicken thighs seared to crispy perfection and glazed in a sweet, savory honey garlic sauce with hints of ginger and sesame.
Author:David Stein
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Total Time:30 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Main Dish
Method:Pan-seared
Cuisine:Asian-inspired
Ingredients
Scale
6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs)
1 tbsp olive oil, plus 2 tbsp for searing
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
1/2 cup honey
2 tsp sesame oil
4 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tbsp)
1 tsp grated fresh ginger
1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
2 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water (for thickening)
Chopped green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
Pat the chicken thighs thoroughly dry with paper towels to ensure a crisp skin. Drizzle the chicken with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then season generously with garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Rub the seasonings evenly over each piece of chicken.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the chicken thighs, skin-side down, into the hot pan. Sear for approximately 3-5 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip the chicken and sear for another 2-3 minutes on the other side. Transfer the seared chicken to a plate.
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Carefully drain most of the excess fat from the skillet, leaving just a thin layer. Return the skillet to medium heat. Pour the honey-garlic sauce into the pan. Bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently.
Once simmering, add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) to the sauce, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens to a glossy, syrupy consistency.
Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, spooning the thickened sauce over each piece to coat thoroughly. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and glazed.
Serve the sticky honey garlic chicken immediately, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice and your favorite vegetables.
Notes
Red pepper flakes are optional for those who prefer a spicy kick.
Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.