Go Back
Close-up of steaming Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs served over fluffy white rice, garnished with red chili flakes.

Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs with Rice

This honey garlic chicken thighs recipe delivers crispy seared chicken coated in a rich sweet and savory glaze. Served with fluffy rice, it is a comforting and reliable dinner.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 360
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the chicken
  • 6 bone in skin on chicken thighs about 5 to 6 ounces each
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the honey garlic sauce
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
For the rice
  • 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice
  • 3 cups water
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Large skillet

Method
 

  1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a saucepan bring water and salt to a boil, add rice, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook for 15 minutes, then remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes.
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry and season lightly with black pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Place chicken thighs skin side down and cook for 6 to 7 minutes until the skin is golden and crisp.
  4. Flip the chicken and cook for 2 minutes, then transfer to a plate.
  5. Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic to the same skillet. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Stir in honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, water, and red pepper flakes, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
  7. Return the chicken to the skillet skin side up. Spoon sauce over the top, cover, and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens slightly.
  8. Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  9. Fluff the rice with a fork and divide onto plates.
  10. Serve chicken over rice and spoon extra sauce on top. Ensure chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safe consumption.

Notes

For extra crisp skin, avoid moving the chicken during the initial sear and make sure the pan is fully heated before adding it.