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  7. Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Sticky, caramelized chicken thighs in a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze. Simple enough for weeknights, impressive enough for guests.

chicken
dinner
easy
Jump to Instructions โ†“
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Prep5 min
Cook25 min
Protein36g
Calories440
Carbs24g
Fat22g

Per serving ยท Adjust servings below to scale ingredients

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๐Ÿฅ—Ingredients

4 servings

Chicken

  • 8 bone-in chicken thighs (about 900g)
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Honey Garlic Sauce

  • 80ml honey
  • 60ml soy sauce
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • ยฝ tsp red pepper flakes

Garnish

  • Sesame seeds
  • Sliced green onions
  • Steamed broccoli for serving

๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐ŸณInstructions

  1. 1

    Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Sear skin-side down in olive oil for 5-6 minutes until golden and crispy.

  2. 2

    Flip chicken, cook another 3 minutes.

  3. 3

    Mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and pepper flakes.

  4. 4

    Pour sauce over chicken. Simmer 12-15 minutes, basting occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and sauce is sticky.

  5. 5

    Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve with steamed broccoli.

๐Ÿ“ŠNutrition per serving

Values are per 1 serving and stay fixed regardless of the servings adjuster above โ€” use the adjuster to scale ingredients only.

Calories440
Protein36g
Carbs24g
Fat22g
Fiber1g

๐Ÿ’ชProtein & Nutrition Breakdown

Each serving of Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs delivers 36g of protein at 440 calories โ€” that's 12 calories per gram of protein, making it one of the more efficient protein sources on this site. Protein accounts for roughly 33% of total calories in this dish. The 24g of carbohydrates per serving provide energy for training, making this a well-rounded meal both pre- and post-workout. The 22g of fat primarily comes from the cooking method and protein source itself, contributing to satiety and supporting fat-soluble vitamin absorption.

๐ŸฅกMeal Prep & Storage

Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs is a quick recipe that scales well for meal prep. This recipe makes 4 servings, each delivering 36g of protein and 440 calories โ€” ideal for tracking macros across the week. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave in 90-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through. Adding a small splash of water or broth prevents the protein from drying out during reheating. Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs also freezes well โ€” portion into individual freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Batch cooking a double or triple portion on the weekend means you have 36g-protein meals ready throughout the week with zero daily effort.

๐Ÿ’ก Tips & Notes

  • โ€ขStart skin-side down for crispiest skin.
  • โ€ขBaste frequently for maximum glaze.
  • โ€ขDon't rush the caramelization.

Variations

  • โ†’Add sriracha for spicy honey garlic.
  • โ†’Use drumsticks instead of thighs.
  • โ†’Bake at 200ยฐC for hands-off cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs ahead of time?

Cook the chicken ahead and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Slice or shred just before serving โ€” whole cooked breasts stay juicier than pre-sliced portions.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Thighs are juicier and more forgiving with cooking time. They have slightly more fat but won't dry out. Adjust cook time โ€” thighs take 1-2 minutes longer.

Why is my chicken sticking to the pan and not browning?

The two most common causes: the pan isn't hot enough before the chicken goes in (heat oil until shimmering), or the chicken is wet (pat dry with paper towels). Don't force it โ€” a properly seared piece releases cleanly when the crust forms.

high proteinquick30 minute meal

Recipe by

BoBo Chef

Fitness enthusiast and home cook. Every recipe is tested in a real kitchen and macro-verified before publishing.

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