Print

Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe 30-Minute Easy Family Dinner with Rice

honey garlic chicken thighs - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and flavorful honey garlic chicken thighs recipe served over fluffy rice, perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds / 900g)
  • 1/4 cup honey (85g)
  • 4 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (60ml), low-sodium preferred
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (30ml)
  • 1/4 cup water or chicken broth (60ml)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil (30ml)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice (270g)
  • 3 cups water or chicken broth (720ml)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Bring 3 cups (720ml) water or broth and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the rice, stir once, cover, and reduce heat to low. Let simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes while you make the chicken.
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides lightly with ground black pepper.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and cook without moving for 6-7 minutes until skin is golden and crispy. Flip and cook 2 minutes on the other side. Remove chicken and set aside on a plate.
  4. Lower heat to medium. In the same pan, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, water or broth, and red pepper flakes if using. Scrape up any browned bits from the pan with a spoon.
  5. Return chicken thighs to the pan, skin-side up. Spoon some sauce over the top. Cover with a lid and let simmer gently for 7-8 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The sauce will thicken slightly and coat the chicken.
  6. Fluff the rice with a fork and plate it alongside the chicken. Spoon extra sauce from the pan over the rice and chicken. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

Pat chicken skin dry for crispy skin. Do not crowd the pan when searing. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F. Scrape browned bits into sauce for extra flavor. Avoid burning garlic by stirring and keeping heat moderate. Adjust sauce thickness by reducing or adding liquid. Rinse rice well and avoid lifting lid during cooking to prevent mushy rice. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey garlic chicken, chicken thighs, easy dinner, family dinner, quick recipe, one-pan chicken, rice dinner

Find it online: https://daintydine.com/honey-garlic-chicken-thighs-recipe-30-minute-easy-family-dinner-with-rice/