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Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

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If you’re looking for a quick, no-fuss dinner with big flavor and minimal effort, these Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs deliver every time. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can transform basic chicken into a glossy, sticky, and deeply flavorful main dish. The combination of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and lemon juice creates a sweet and savory glaze that clings beautifully to the chicken, all while infusing each bite with irresistible flavor. This is the kind of dish that feels fancy enough for company but is simple enough for a busy weeknight.

Ingredients

Scale

4 to 8 bone-in or boneless chicken thighs (1–2 per person, depending on size)
Salt, to taste
¼ cup soy sauce or Tamari (for a gluten-free version)
⅓ cup honey
3 to 4 garlic cloves, crushed or finely minced
½ cup water
1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best)

Instructions

Start by seasoning the chicken thighs on both sides with a bit of salt. In a large skillet or frying pan, heat a splash of oil over medium-high heat and add the chicken skin-side down (if using skin-on). Let the thighs sear for about 7 to 10 minutes per side until they’re beautifully browned and crisp on the outside. If you notice a lot of fat rendering out, feel free to carefully spoon some off and save it for later use—it’s great for cooking vegetables or potatoes.

 

While the chicken is browning, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, garlic, water, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Give the sauce a taste and adjust if needed—if you like it tangier, add a little more lemon juice; if you prefer it sweeter, a touch more honey will do the trick.

Notes

Boneless, skinless thighs work great for this recipe if you’re in a hurry, though bone-in gives a richer flavor
Use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching salt levels—this dish is already full of umami and won’t feel lacking
Fresh garlic is key here. It gives the sauce its punchy aroma and signature bite, so try not to swap it for powdered garlic unless necessary
If your sauce reduces too quickly, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it up
Want a thicker glaze? Let the sauce simmer a bit longer at the end without a lid, or stir in a cornstarch slurry (½ teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water)

Find it online: https://dailyfamilymeals.com/easy-honey-garlic-chicken-thighs/