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Easy One-Pan Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs (Best 20-Minute Dinner!)

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These Easy One-Pan Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs are the perfect weeknight dinner—ready in just 20 minutes with a sticky, glossy sauce that’s both savory and sweet. Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor make this a recipe you’ll turn to again and again.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skin-on or skinless chicken thighs (about 4–6 thighs)
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional garnishes: sliced green onions, sesame seeds, red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat a large skillet (12-inch, preferably cast iron or stainless steel) over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Let it get shimmering hot.
  3. Sear the chicken thighs skin-side down (if using skin-on) for 4-5 minutes without moving them. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until golden-brown and almost cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  4. Reduce heat to medium-low and add the minced garlic. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add the honey, soy sauce, and 2 tablespoons of water to the pan. Stir together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
  6. Return the chicken thighs to the pan, spooning some sauce over each piece. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, flipping once, until the sauce has thickened and reduced by about half.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon of butter until melted and glossy.
  8. Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or with steamed vegetables.

Notes

For best results, don’t crowd the pan when searing—cook in batches if needed. Watch the garlic carefully as it burns quickly. The sauce can go from perfectly sticky to burnt in about 30 seconds, so keep an eye on it. Double the sauce ingredients if you want extra for drizzling. This dish tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey garlic chicken, one-pan chicken, quick chicken dinner, chicken thighs, easy weeknight dinner, sticky chicken, 20-minute meal

Find it online: https://lunafeast.com/easy-one-pan-honey-garlic-chicken-thighs-best-20-minute-dinner/