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Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe Easy Sweet and Savory Glaze

crispy honey garlic chicken - featured image

A quick and easy recipe featuring crispy chicken thighs coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory honey garlic glaze that balances crunchy texture with juicy flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 23 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup (85 grams) honey
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) water
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture and season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Place the cornstarch in a shallow bowl and dredge each piece of chicken through it, shaking off the excess.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking (about 3 minutes).
  4. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer without crowding and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and crispy, about 10 minutes total.
  5. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
  6. Lower heat to medium, add a tablespoon of oil if the pan is dry, then sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  7. Add honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, water, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy.
  8. Return the chicken pieces to the pan, spoon the glaze over them, and cook for another 1-2 minutes, flipping to coat evenly.
  9. Sprinkle sliced green onions on top and serve immediately while the chicken is crispy and warm.

Notes

Dry the chicken thoroughly before coating to ensure a crispy crust. Use medium heat when simmering the glaze to avoid burning the honey. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more water to loosen it. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari and ensure cornstarch is gluten-free. Chicken breasts can be used but may be drier; adjust cooking time accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken, honey garlic chicken, sweet and savory glaze, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, chicken thighs, sticky chicken