Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Dinner

Jul 18

⏱️ Prep Time: 10 minutes • 🍳 Cook Time: 35 minutes

If you’ve ever wanted to make something that feels like you ordered takeout but better, these sticky honey garlic chicken thighs are it. The glaze is sweet, garlicky, a little tangy, and it caramelizes in the oven like magic. And the best part? It’s all done on one sheet pan with easy-to-love chicken thighs that come out juicy every time.

Jump to Recipe

*Sticky, juicy, glossy, garlicky thighs baked to perfection*

This is one of those dinners I come back to again and again, especially when I’m craving big flavor with minimal dishes. Chicken thighs are your best friend here — they’re inexpensive, full of flavor, and basically impossible to mess up. The marinade is just pantry staples whisked together into something magic: honey, soy sauce, garlic, and a little apple cider vinegar for balance. You could even toss some veggies on the same pan for a one-and-done situation.

The thing I love most about this is how well it pairs with literally anything. Rice? Obviously. Roasted broccoli or green beans? Perfect. A side salad? Yes please. I’ve also tucked the leftovers into wraps with pickled onions and it was next-level. Oh, and if you want to impress someone with dinner? This is the move. It’s got that glossy, glazy, look-at-me finish that always wins hearts (and stomachs).

One quick tip: don’t skip the broil at the end! It’s what gives the thighs that golden, sticky edge that makes you want to lick your fingers. And if you’re feeling wild, sprinkle on some sesame seeds and chopped green onion. You’re now a chicken genius.

Ingredients

🍽️ Servings: 4 • 🔥 Calories/Serving: 375

2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 4–6 thighs)
¼ cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
¼ cup honey
3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
¼ tsp ground black pepper
1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (optional, for glaze thickening)
Green onion and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Steps

Step 1

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a sheet pan with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.

Step 2

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and black pepper.

Step 3

Place chicken thighs on the sheet pan, skin-side up. Pour half of the sauce over the thighs, rubbing it under the skin as well.

Step 4

Bake for 30 minutes, basting with pan juices halfway through.

Step 5

While the chicken cooks, pour the remaining sauce into a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat. If you'd like a thicker glaze, mix cornstarch with water and stir it in. Cook until thickened.

Step 6

After 30 minutes, brush thickened glaze over the chicken and broil on high for 2–3 minutes until golden and sticky.

Step 7

Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, and serve with your favorite side.

Make it your own!

🥦 Add roasted veggies
Toss some broccoli florets or green beans in olive oil and roast them on the same pan during the last 15–20 minutes.
🌶️ Crank up the spice
Add sriracha or chili garlic paste to the glaze for a spicy kick.
🍯 Make it Paleo
Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and swap honey with maple syrup.
🥗 Serve it salad-style
Slice the chicken and layer over a crunchy slaw with extra glaze as dressing.