I remember last week, it was a chilly Tuesday evening, and I wanted to whip up something comforting with minimal effort. I had a pack of chicken thighs in the fridge and some green beans that were on their last leg. I thought, why not try something new? With a bit of honey and garlic, I figured I could create something special. Little did I know, this dish would become a family favorite, devoured to the last bite!
There’s something quite satisfying about using just one pan. Fewer dishes to wash, and all the flavors meld together beautifully. The honey garlic sauce, with its sweet yet savory notes, complements the crispy skin of the chicken perfectly. Not to mention, the green beans soak up all those juices, making them irresistibly tasty. It’s a recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for those cozy weeknight dinners when you just want to relax and enjoy a good meal with loved ones.
If you’re like me and often find yourself juggling a million things, then this one-pan wonder is a game-changer. It doesn’t require any fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Just everyday items from your pantry transformed into something spectacular with a few simple steps. So, next time you’re on the hunt for an easy yet impressive dinner, give this honey garlic chicken a go. Trust me, it’ll quickly become a staple in your meal rotation. You might just find yourself looking forward to that moment when you pull it fresh out of the oven, the golden brown chicken glistening with glaze, ready to be savored.
How to Make One-Pan Honey Garlic Chicken
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Ingredients:
- 6 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 lb fresh green beans
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 400˚F.
- Generously season each chicken thigh with salt and pepper.
- Over medium heat, melt the butter in an oven-proof skillet. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear until golden brown on both sides. The skin side might take a bit longer to crisp up.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet, setting it aside momentarily. Drain most of the excess fat, leaving just a touch for flavor.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing until it releases its aroma. Stir in the brown sugar, honey, thyme, and oregano, allowing the mixture to simmer and meld together.
- Reintroduce the chicken to the skillet, ensuring each piece is well-coated in the sauce.
- Scatter the green beans around the chicken in the skillet.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Serve this delightful dish directly from the pan and savor the flavors!
Don’t Have Chicken Thighs? Here’s What to Use Instead
If you’re out of chicken thighs, boneless skinless chicken breasts or drumsticks can be great alternatives. Keep in mind that chicken breasts might cook a little faster, so adjust baking time accordingly. For a vegetarian twist, swap chicken with tofu or tempeh for a protein-rich option that soaks up the honey garlic sauce beautifully.
Best Ways to Store Leftover One-Pan Honey Garlic Chicken
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the chicken and green beans in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm in the oven at 350˚F until heated through.
Perfect Pairings for One-Pan Honey Garlic Chicken
Pair this dish with a side of fluffy jasmine rice or buttery mashed potatoes to soak up the luscious sauce. For a refreshing contrast, serve with a crisp green salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette. A glass of chilled white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc, complements the flavors wonderfully.
Cooking Tips to Elevate Your One-Pan Honey Garlic Chicken
To ensure the chicken skin is extra crispy, make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken. Adjust sweetness to your liking by varying the honey amount slightly. If you’re a spice lover, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. These small tweaks can make a big difference!
Seasonal Twists for One-Pan Honey Garlic Chicken
During summer, substitute green beans with zucchini or yellow squash for a lighter, seasonal touch. In winter, add root vegetables like carrots or parsnips to the pan for a heartier meal. These seasonal swaps not only keep the dish fresh but also make the most of available produce.
FAQs:
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken breasts or thighs can be used. They will cook faster, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Adjust the oven time according to the thickness of the chicken to ensure it remains juicy and tender.
Can I substitute fresh garlic with garlic powder?
Absolutely, you can use garlic powder if fresh garlic is unavailable. Substitute each clove with about 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder. Keep in mind that fresh garlic imparts a more vibrant flavor to the dish, but garlic powder can be a convenient alternative.
What can I do if I don’t have dried oregano or thyme?
If you’re missing dried oregano or thyme, Italian seasoning or a mix of herbs such as basil and parsley can be used. These will add similar herbal notes to the dish, maintaining the essence of the flavor profile without any compromise.
Is it possible to make this dish spicier?
Yes, to add some heat, include red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. Remember to adjust the quantity based on your spice tolerance. This small addition can transform the dish for those who enjoy a bit of a kick.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Indeed, you can prepare the sauce and season the chicken a day in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble and cook the dish fresh when you’re ready to serve, ensuring the chicken remains juicy and the flavors are vibrant.
How can I tell if the chicken is fully cooked?
The most reliable way to ensure the chicken is fully cooked is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach at least 165˚F. Additionally, the juices should run clear when the chicken is pierced with a fork, indicating doneness.

One-Pan Honey Garlic Chicken
Equipment
- oven-safe skillet
Ingredients
- 6 pieces chicken thighs bone-in and skin-on
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 pound fresh green beans
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 400˚F.
- Generously season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Place the chicken thighs in the skillet skin-side down and sear them until they are nicely golden on both sides, ensuring the skin side gets crispy.
- Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set them aside. Carefully pour out excess fat but retain a bit for flavor.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant. Then mix in the brown sugar, honey, thyme, and oregano, stirring over low heat until well blended.
- Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, ensuring they are coated with the honey garlic mixture.
- Add fresh green beans to the skillet, arranging them nicely around the chicken.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Serve the delicious chicken straight from the pan and savor every bite!