Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

When it comes to weeknight dinners, few dishes can compete with the mouthwatering allure of Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs. This dish is a perfect fusion of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors that will have your family clamoring for seconds. With juicy, tender chicken thighs, vibrant broccolini, and fluffy rice, it’s not just a meal; it’s an experience. Plus, it comes together in a snap, making it ideal for busy evenings. Let’s dive into why you should make this dish and how you can recreate it in your own kitchen!

Top Reasons to Make Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

• Flavor Explosion: The combination of honey, garlic, and Sriracha creates a deliciously balanced sauce that elevates the chicken to new heights.
• Quick & Easy: This dish can be prepared in under 30 minutes, perfect for those hectic weeknights.
• Nutritious: With lean protein from the chicken and vitamins from the broccolini, you can feel good about what’s on your plate.
• Versatile: Serve it over rice, in a wrap, or with a side of your favorite vegetables for a customizable meal.

What You’ll Gather

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 pound broccolini (ends trimmed)
• 1 cup uncooked rice (I used Basmati rice)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 small onion (chopped finely)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 cup chicken broth

Equipment at a Glance

• Large skillet: For cooking the chicken and broccolini.
• Pot: To cook the rice.
• Sharp knife: For chopping vegetables.
• Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure precise ingredient amounts.

Method: Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

In a pot, combine 1 cup of rice and 2 cups of water (or chicken broth for extra flavor). Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until all the water is absorbed (about 15-20 minutes). Once cooked, fluff with a fork and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of oil. Once hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and the onion turns translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken Thighs

Add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the skillet. Season with sea salt and black pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 4: Create the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, and Sriracha. Once the chicken is cooked, pour the sauce over it. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, ensuring the chicken is well-coated.

Step 5: Add the Broccolini

Add the trimmed broccolini to the skillet, stirring to combine. Pour in a splash of chicken broth (about 1/4 cup) and cover the skillet. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes or until the broccolini is tender yet vibrant.

Step 6: Serve

To serve, place a generous scoop of rice on each plate, top with the spicy honey garlic chicken, and add a handful of the sautéed broccolini. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

How to Make It Lighter

• Use skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner option.
• Substitute honey with agave syrup or a sugar-free alternative.
• Reduce the amount of soy sauce to lower sodium content.
• Swap out rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.

Avoid These Traps

• Don’t overcook the chicken; it can become dry. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
• Be careful not to burn the garlic when sautéing; it can turn bitter if cooked too long.
• Keep an eye on the broccolini; it should be tender but still bright green.
• Don’t skip the resting time for the chicken after cooking; it helps retain moisture.

Leftovers & Meal Prep

Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs are perfect for meal prep! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen as they sit, making the leftovers even more delicious. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, and serve over fresh rice or alongside a simple salad for a quick lunch. You can also freeze portions for later use; just make sure to label your containers with the date!

Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Q&A

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work just as well, but be mindful to adjust the cooking time as they may cook faster than thighs.

What can I substitute for the broccolini?

If you can’t find broccolini, feel free to use asparagus, green beans, or even broccoli florets as great alternatives.

Is the dish very spicy?

The level of spiciness can be adjusted based on your preference. You can reduce or omit the Sriracha if you prefer a milder flavor.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. Just heat them up when you’re ready to serve.

Ready, Set, Cook

Now that you have all the details, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get cooking! This Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe is just what you need to spice up your weeknight dinners. With its delightful flavor and ease of preparation, it’s bound to become a staple in your household. Enjoy the delicious journey of cooking and the satisfaction of serving a dish that everyone will love. Happy cooking!

Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

This Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs recipe is a flavor-packed delight! Perfect for busy weeknights, it's quick, easy, and absolutely delicious.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 small onion (chopped finely)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 cup chicken broth

For the Vegetables:

• 1 pound broccolini (ends trimmed)

For Serving:

• 1 cup uncooked rice (I used Basmati rice)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Pot
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Method

 

Cooking Instructions:

1. In a pot, combine 1 cup of rice and 2 cups of water (or chicken broth for extra flavor). Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until all the water is absorbed (about 15-20 minutes). Once cooked, fluff with a fork and set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of oil. Once hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and the onion turns translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the skillet. Season with sea salt and black pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, and Sriracha. Once the chicken is cooked, pour the sauce over it. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, ensuring the chicken is well-coated.
5. Add the trimmed broccolini to the skillet, stirring to combine. Pour in a splash of chicken broth (about 1/4 cup) and cover the skillet. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes or until the broccolini is tender yet vibrant.
6. To serve, place a generous scoop of rice on each plate, top with the spicy honey garlic chicken, and add a handful of the sautéed broccolini. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

• For a lighter option, use skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• Reheat leftovers in the microwave or stovetop for a quick lunch.