Frequently asked questions
The sweet savory flavor of this honey garlic sauce is pretty irresistible, pairing honey with soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and fresh ginger. Toss it with chicken cooked using our simple pan fried chicken thighs method, and you might be tempted to lick the plate (we were!). Alex and I love serving it with rice and sauteed broccoli for a quick meal.
Many chefs and experts say chicken thighs are the best cut of chicken. They’re fattier than chicken breasts, giving them a more intense, rich flavor than white meat. Chicken thighs are also very economical, making them a great option for an inexpensive dinner. That said, you can use the honey garlic sauce below with pan seared chicken breast as well.
Boneless skinless chicken thighs: This recipe uses skinless boneless chicken thighs. To substitute bone-in chicken thighs, cook a few more minutes when baking until the temperature is reached. Olive oil and seasonings: Olive oil is our top choice for sautéing chicken thighs at high heat, and we’ve Cornstarch: Cornstarch gives a shiny, thick body to the sauce. As a substitute, try arrowroot powder. Soy sauce (or tamari): We typically use regular soy sauce or tamari for the most full flavor, not low sodium. Tamari works for gluten-free diets. Honey: Honey brings a nuanced sweetness. We recommend using it if at all possible (though maple syrup works in a pinch). Rice vinegar: Rice vinegar is a vinegar made with fermented rice that’s often used in Asian cuisine; it has a lightly sweet, tangy flavor. Garlic and garlic powder: For a flavor packed sauce, use both fresh garlic (not jarred) and garlic powder. Ginger root: Ginger root adds a zippy flavor to the sauce. It adds a depth that makes it worth the purchase, and we don’t recommend any substitutes!
Rice: White rice or brown rice are perfect for soaking up the sauce, or try coconut rice for extra flavor. Noodles: Soba noodles would be a great choice. Broccoli: Try steamed broccoli, boiled broccoli, or or roasted broccoli with a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Green beans: Try garlic green beans. Quick salads: Go for arugula salad, watercress salad or romaine salad.
5 from 2 reviews
8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, about 2 pounds 1 ¼ teaspoon kosher salt ½ teaspoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon onion powder ½ teaspoon paprika ½ teaspoon smoked paprika 3 tablespoons olive oil
For the sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch ⅓ cup water 2 tablespoons regular soy sauce 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 1 tablespoon olive oil ¼ cup honey ¼ teaspoon garlic powder ¼ teaspoon paprika 3 garlic cloves, grated ½ teaspoon fresh grated ginger
