These honey garlic chicken thighs are the kind of dinner that hits all the right notes – sticky, savoury, sweet, and packed with flavour. The sauce clings beautifully to juicy chicken thighs, with a garlicky kick and a glossy finish that makes it feel a bit special without being complicated.
It’s a great one-pan dish that works just as well for a weeknight dinner as it does for serving friends. You can serve it with rice, noodles, or even roast veg – whatever’s in the cupboard. It’s easy, reliable, and always goes down a treat.
If you love bold, garlicky flavours, you might also like my Garlic Butter Prawns with Lemon & Parsley – quick, punchy, and just as satisfying.
🍴 Tools You’ll Need
Non-Stick Frying Pan – A pan like this helps cook the chicken evenly and keeps the glaze from sticking.
Tongs – Flip and turn chicken easily while cooking with a pair like these.
Mini Grater or Garlic Press – A tool like this makes grating or pressing garlic quick and mess-free.
Small Mixing Bowl – Whisk your sauce together in a bowl like this without spills.
🍷 Wine Pairing
This sticky-sweet chicken dish goes perfectly with a crisp white wine like a Riesling or Pinot Grigio. The freshness and gentle acidity cut through the glaze and balance the garlic and honey flavours beautifully. Prefer red? Try a light, fruity Pinot Noir, ideally served slightly chilled.
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Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves finely grated or minced
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lemon juice
- ½ tsp chilli flakes optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sliced spring onions and sesame seeds to garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Season the chicken thighs with a little salt and pepper.
- Pour the sauce into the pan with the chicken. Reduce the heat slightly and let it simmer for 8–10 minutes, turning the chicken occasionally until the sauce thickens and becomes sticky.
- Once the chicken is fully cooked and coated in the glaze, remove from the heat. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and spring onions if using.
- Serve with rice, noodles, or greens.
Top Tips for Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Use a non-stick or cast iron pan – it helps the sauce reduce and cling without burning.
Don’t rush the glaze – give it time to bubble and thicken so it gets that lovely sticky finish.
Add a veg boost – throw in tenderstem broccoli or peppers for a one-pan meal.
Swap the thighs for drumsticks or chicken breast if you prefer – just adjust cooking times.