Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe
This Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe features juicy, boneless chicken thighs coated in a flavorful honey garlic sauce with a hint of chili, all made in one pan for an easy yet delicious meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Chicken Marinade
- 4 boneless, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1½ tablespoon light soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt (as needed)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
Coating & Frying
- ¼ cup cornstarch (for coating)
- ¼ cup oil (for pan frying)
- 1 tablespoon butter
Sauce Ingredients
- 4–5 garlic cloves (finely minced)
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ½ teaspoon rice vinegar
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine light soy sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken thighs and mix well to coat evenly. Let the chicken sit for about 15 minutes at room temperature or cover and refrigerate to marinate longer, allowing the flavors to penetrate.
- Coat the Chicken: Lightly coat each chicken thigh with cornstarch, making sure to tap off any excess. This helps to create a crispy crust when frying.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat until hot. Reduce the flame to medium and place the chicken thighs skin-side down. Cook for 4–5 minutes on each side until they are golden and crispy. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: Remove any excess oil from the pan, lower heat to medium-low, and melt the butter. This will provide a rich base for the sauce.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely minced garlic to the pan and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in the chili flakes to add a subtle heat to the sauce.
- Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: Pour in the honey, light soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Stir well and let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens slightly and becomes glossy.
- Coat the Chicken in Sauce: Return the crispy chicken thighs to the pan and toss quickly to coat them evenly with the honey garlic sauce. Turn off the heat to prevent overcooking.
- Serve: Serve the crispy honey garlic chicken thighs hot for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy your easy one-pan meal!
Notes
- For extra crispy skin, pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels before marinating.
- You can adjust the amount of chili flakes according to your spice preference.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- This recipe pairs well with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables.
Keywords: honey garlic chicken, crispy chicken thighs, one-pan chicken recipe, easy chicken thighs, Asian chicken dish