Let me tell you about one of the easiest, most flavor-packed dinners you can throw together any night of the week. This Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Sheet Pan Bake Recipe is a total game-changer: juicy chicken thighs glazed with sweet, tangy honey garlic sauce, all cooked on one sheet pan for effortless cleanup.

A white bowl filled with a base layer of soft, fluffy white rice. On top of the rice, there are two pieces of glazed, golden-brown chicken with a shiny, sticky sauce that has hints of dark brown and red colors. The chicken is garnished with small green onion slices and bright green cilantro leaves scattered across the dish. A silver fork rests inside the bowl against the rice, and some cilantro pieces are outside the bowl on the white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Sheet Pan Bake Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Sheet Pan Bake Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Sheet Pan Bake Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m genuinely obsessed with this Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Sheet Pan Bake Recipe because it strikes that perfect balance between sweet and savory. Plus, it’s straight-up simple—no fiddly ingredients or complicated steps, but wow, does it deliver on flavor.

Hands-Off Cooking: Pop everything on one pan and let the oven work its magic while you relax or prep your sides.
Impressively Juicy Chicken: Using thighs instead of breasts means you get tender, flavorful meat every time, no drying out.
Glaze with a Kick: The combination of honey, garlic, tamari, and a touch of vinegar creates that irresistible sticky glaze you'll want to spoon over rice (and then some!).
Great for Meal Prep: Make it on Sunday and enjoy delicious, protein-packed meals in a flash during the week.

A white bowl filled with a layer of fluffy white rice topped with two pieces of glazed chicken thighs covered in a shiny dark orange sauce. The chicken is garnished with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro leaves scattered on top. The bowl sits on a light beige fabric on a white marbled textured surface, next to a silver fork. In the background, a white plate holds lime wedges and sliced green onions, and to the right, a clear ribbed glass with water is partially visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here plays a role in making this dish shine. The balance of sweet honey and savory tamari, boosted by garlic and a touch of apple cider vinegar, gives that perfect depth of flavor. The spices bring warmth without overpowering the chicken, which stays juicy thanks to those fatty thighs.

Flat lay of raw chicken thighs with smooth pale pink skin, a small white ceramic bowl of golden honey, a small white ceramic bowl of light green avocado oil, a small white ceramic bowl of dark brown tamari sauce, four whole uncracked garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl of bright red paprika powder, a small white ceramic bowl of pale beige onion powder, a small white ceramic bowl of amber apple cider vinegar, a mound of cooked white rice on a simple white ceramic plate, a few stalks of fresh green onions sliced, a handful of vibrant green chopped cilantro leaves, a halved fresh lime with glistening green flesh on a simple white ceramic dish, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken thighs: Skin-on for crispiness and juicy meat that stays tender through baking.
Avocado oil: A neutral, healthy oil that withstands high heat without smoking.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness and caramelizes nicely on the chicken's surface.
Tamari: Gluten-free soy sauce alternative that lends umami with less saltiness and a richer flavor.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic amps up the savory notes beautifully.
Apple cider vinegar: Gives a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of honey.
Paprika: Adds warm color and a gentle smoky sweetness.
Onion powder: Deepens the savory profile of the marinade.
Rice: A simple, fluffy base that soaks up all that glorious sauce.
Green onions and fresh cilantro: Fresh garnishes that add brightness and a pop of color.
Fresh lime juice: A final squeeze to brighten the whole dish and tie flavors together.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I like to keep things pretty classic with this recipe, but trust me, there’s room for fun tweaks. Feel free to add your favorite veggies right to the pan or spice it up with a bit of chili if you fancy heat.

Variation: I sometimes toss in broccoli florets or snap peas alongside the chicken for an all-in-one sheet pan dinner. It saves time and adds a nice crunch.
Dietary tweaks: Use coconut aminos instead of tamari for soy-free, or swap honey for maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
Serving ideas: Try it over cauliflower rice for a low-carb version that’s just as satisfying.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Sheet Pan Bake Recipe

Step 1: Whisk together your magic sauce

Start by mixing avocado oil, honey, tamari, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, paprika, and onion powder in a small bowl until smooth. The smell here will already have you drooling—honey and garlic is just heavenly.

Step 2: Marinate the chicken

Place your chicken thighs in a bowl or a zip-top bag if you want less mess. Pour the sauce over, seal it up, and give it a good toss so everything gets coated. Let it sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes to soak up all those flavors and slightly take the chill off before baking.

Step 3: Bake the chicken on a sheet pan

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (trust me, cleanup is a breeze this way). Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up, spacing them apart so they roast instead of steam. Bake for 25 minutes until the skin is golden and crisp.

Step 4: Simmer the leftover marinade

While the chicken cooks, pour the remaining marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil then reduce heat and simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes until it thickens into a glossy, sticky glaze—keep stirring so it doesn’t burn. This step concentrates the flavors and makes that glaze irresistible.

Step 5: Serve it up!

Serve the chicken thighs over a bed of fluffy rice, spoon plenty of that warm, sticky glaze over the top, then sprinkle with sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. It’s vibrant, comforting, and downright delicious.

Top Tip

I can’t stress enough how letting the chicken marinate at room temperature before baking makes a difference—you'll get a more even cook and juicier texture. Also, simmering the marinade separately ensures the sauce is safe to eat and super concentrated.

Don’t skip the parchment: It really helps keep your baking sheet clean and makes cleanup a breeze.
Marinate at room temp: Chicken cooks more evenly when not straight from the fridge.
Watch the glaze carefully: Simmer it on low and stir often to prevent burning or sticking.
Use skin-on thighs: Skin crisps up beautifully and adds so much flavor.

How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Sheet Pan Bake Recipe

honey garlic chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always finish mine with freshly sliced green onions and a generous handful of chopped cilantro. That fresh herb aroma brightens the whole plate. And don’t forget the lime juice! A quick squeeze of lime really lifts the rich, sweet glaze and makes the flavors pop.

Side Dishes

I like serving this chicken over steamed jasmine or basmati rice since it soaks up the glaze perfectly. You can also add a simple side of roasted or steamed green veggies like broccoli or snap peas to keep things fresh and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve plated the chicken on a bed of coconut-lime rice with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and fresh chili flakes for a little heat kick. It makes the dish feel elevated while staying cozy and familiar.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The chicken actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld, making it an easy meal for busy weekdays.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the cooked chicken thighs successfully by wrapping each piece tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then placing them in a freezer bag. When reheated, they retain most of their moisture and flavor—just thaw overnight in the fridge first.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming the chicken in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to get that skin crispy again. Microwave is fine for quick meals but tends to soften the skin and glaze.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

You can swap in chicken breasts if you prefer, but be aware they cook faster and can dry out more easily. Keep a close eye and consider reducing baking time by several minutes if doing this substitution.

Is tamari different from soy sauce?

Yes, tamari is a gluten-free alternative to traditional soy sauce. It has a richer, less salty taste which works beautifully in this recipe for deeper umami flavor.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! Marinate your chicken a few hours or overnight in the fridge, then bake right before serving. You can also cook it completely ahead and reheat gently—just be sure to store properly to maintain juiciness.

How do I prevent the glaze from burning?

Keep the glaze simmering on low heat and stir frequently. High heat makes the honey caramelize too quickly and can burn, resulting in a bitter taste. Taking your time gives you a silky, delicious sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Sheet Pan Bake Recipe holds a special place in my weeknight rotation. It’s the kind of meal I make when I want something easy yet impressive, with flavors that feel gourmet but take almost no effort. I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) it as much as I do—it’s that perfect cozy dinner that comes together quickly and leaves you wanting seconds. Give it a try and make this your new go-to!