Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe for Quick Weeknight Dinners

This honey garlic chicken thighs recipe yields juicy bone-in, skin-on chicken marinated and baked until golden, then finished with a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze. It’s an easy weeknight dinner and great for meal prep.

Honey Garlic Chicken

Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs stay incredibly juicy and develop crisp, flavorful skin when baked. This version is marinated in a simple honey garlic soy mixture, baked until cooked through, and brushed with a thick, tangy glaze. Reserve extra sauce to spoon over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs: Bone-in, skin-on are recommended for juiciness and crisp skin. Boneless thighs or breasts can be used—reduce cooking time by 10–15 minutes.
• Soy sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps control salt. Substitute coconut aminos to make it gluten-free.
• Ketchup: Adds body and a touch of sweetness to the glaze.
• Honey: Sweetens and balances the savory elements. Light brown sugar can be used instead if preferred.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic (about 4 cloves) for strong garlic flavor.

How To Make Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

1. Combine the sauce ingredients (soy sauce, ketchup, honey, garlic) in a resealable bag. Add the chicken, toss to coat, and marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight for deeper flavor.
2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken skin-side up on a prepared baking pan and reserve the marinade.
3. Bake uncovered for 30–50 minutes, depending on thigh size, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For crispier skin, broil for an additional 3–5 minutes at the end.
4. While the chicken cooks, pour the reserved marinade into a saucepan, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes to make the sauce safe to eat. If the sauce needs thickening, whisk 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water, then stir into the simmering sauce until it thickens.
5. Brush the cooked chicken with the warmed sauce and serve immediately. Leftover sauce is excellent over rice or noodles.

Serving Suggestions

• Steamed or air-fried vegetables
• Chow mein or lo mein noodles
• Fried rice
• Light salads such as cucumber salad

More Chicken Recipes

• Easy Chicken Marsala
• The BEST Chicken Parmesan
• Easy Chicken Shawarma
• Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
• Easy One Pan Bourbon Chicken
• Easy Thai Chicken Satay

Recipe

Honey Garlic Chicken

4.91 from 10 votes

Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs marinated and baked until golden brown and juicy, finished with a flavorful honey garlic sauce.

Author: Kelley Simmons

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 30 mins

Total Time: 40 mins

Serves 6

Ingredients

• 6 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin on
• 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup honey
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

1. *Prep time does not include marinating time*
2. Add soy sauce, ketchup, honey, and garlic to a large ziplock bag. Add chicken thighs and marinate 1–2 hours (or overnight).
3. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
4. Spray a 13 x 9 pan with cooking spray.
5. Remove chicken from the marinade and place skin-side up on the prepared pan. Reserve the marinade.
6. Bake uncovered for 35–50 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Larger thighs will need the longer time.
7. For crispier skin, broil 3–5 minutes at the end.
8. While the chicken cooks, add the reserved marinade to a medium saucepan, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook 5 minutes.
9. If the sauce is too thin, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water and stir into the sauce to thicken.
10. Brush the cooked chicken with the sauce and serve immediately.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 316 kcal

Carbohydrates: 17.0 g

Protein: 19.7 g

Fat: 18.8 g

Saturated Fat: 5.1 g

Cholesterol: 111 mg

Sodium: 887 mg

Potassium: 317 mg

Fiber: 0.2 g

Sugar: 14.2 g

Vitamin A: 139 IU

Vitamin C: 1.0 mg

Calcium: 16 mg

Iron: 1.3 mg