honey garlic chicken

Honey Garlic Chicken

Chicken pieces are seared or baked and coated with a glaze made from honey, garlic, soy sauce, and optional seasonings. The sauce caramelizes during cooking, creating a sticky, glossy coating that clings to the meat while infusing it with sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors. Gentle cooking ensures the chicken remains tender and juicy.

As the glaze thickens, it forms a flavorful exterior while the chicken cooks through. The combination of honey and garlic produces a rich, balanced taste with subtle depth from soy and aromatics. The preparation emphasizes careful glazing and heat control to achieve tender meat with a caramelized, flavorful coating.

Print Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Chicken
Asian
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless chicken thighs, approx. 20 oz.
  • 1 Tbsp. olive oil
  • ¼ medium onion or 1 large shallot, finely chopped
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • ½ cup honey
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • salt
  • pepper
  • onion powder
  • garlic powder
  • fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions 

  • Season chicken thighs on both sides with salt and pepper.
  • Heat olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Place chicken thighs face down in the skillet and brown for 4-5 minutes.
  • Flip the chicken and cook it until it is almost done, about 6-8 minutes.
  • Remove the chicken and set aside.
  • Add the onions or shallots and garlic to the skillet and sauté until the aromatics are soft.
  • Add the soy sauce and honey to the skillet and add garlic powder and onion powder to taste.
  • Stir and scrape the pan until the sauce is combined.
  • Return the chicken thighs to the pan and baste with the sauce.
  • Reduce the heat to medium and cook for 10 minutes. Flip after 5 minutes and baste.
  • Stir sauce and baste chicken until the chicken thighs are done and the juice runs clear with an internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Transfer to a serving plate and pour remaining sauce over the chicken thighs.