Quick and easy: Ready in about 25–30 minutes.
Simple ingredients: You probably already have everything in your pantry!
Flavor-packed: The combination of honey, garlic, soy sauce, and lemon zest creates the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy.
Family-approved: Kids and adults both love this sticky, caramelized glaze.
Better than takeout: Seriously, it’s that good.
🍗🍗 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Salt and black pepper (to taste) — for seasoning before marinating
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon paprika
3 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons honey
Zest of 1 lemon (just the yellow part!)
For Cooking:
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe | Soy Sauce Chicken | Quick Dinner Idea
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
For the Sauce:
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
Optional: 1 tablespoon chili oil for a little heat
2–3 tablespoons water (to loosen the sauce, if needed)
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (to thicken)
To Serve:
Chopped green onions for garnish
Cooked rice or steamed vegetables on the side
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Season the Chicken (important!)
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides of each thigh generously with salt and black pepper. This step is crucial, it builds the seasoning foundation that makes the chicken flavorful even before the marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, mix 3 tbsp soy sauce, 3 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp paprika, and the lemon zest. Add the already-seasoned chicken thighs and toss until fully coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for extra flavor.
3. Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tbsp butter and 2 tbsp olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat (I use my ChangBERT Portable Induction Cooktop for fast, even heating). Add the chicken thighs and cook 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove chicken and set aside, keeping the pan juices.
💡 Recipe Tips
Season before marinating — never skip seasoning with salt and pepper first. It makes a huge flavor difference.
Use chicken thighs for juicier results; they’re forgiving if cooked a bit longer.
Lemon zest adds brightness and balances sweetness.
Butter gives shine and richness to the sauce — don’t skip it.
Meal prep: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a pan.
🍱 Serving Ideas
Over steamed jasmine rice for a classic combo.
With stir-fried broccoli and bell peppers.
Tossed with noodles and extra sauce.
With roasted potatoes for a cozy twist.
🧊 Freezing & Reheating
Cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in a pan until warmed through.
4. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
In the same pan, melt 2 tbsp butter. Add 1 tbsp minced garlic and sauté about 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t brown). Add 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp honey, and 1 tbsp rice vinegar. If you want heat, add 1 tbsp chili oil. Simmer 2–3 minutes, then add the cornstarch slurry and whisk until the sauce becomes glossy and thick.
5. Combine and Glaze
Return the chicken and any resting juices to the pan. Toss to coat and simmer on low for 2–3 minutes so the sauce clings to the chicken.
6. Serve
Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot over rice, noodles, or with steamed veggies.
❤️ Final Thoughts
This Easy Honey Garlic Chicken is comfort food made simple, juicy, sticky, and full of flavor. It’s perfect for busy nights, meal prep, or impressing dinner guests without the fuss. Try seasoning the thighs before marinating (that step makes all the difference!) and tag me on Instagram @life.by.eya if you cook it. I love seeing your versions.
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