There’s something irresistibly comforting about the aroma of honey garlic chicken thighs (GF DF) roasting in the oven on a chilly evening. For me, this dish isn’t just about flavo, it’s about transformation. When I first went gluten-free, I missed the simplicity of sticky, savory-sweet chicken dishes my family used to make on Sundays. This was one of the first I recreated in my new kitchen, and it quickly became a favorite.
The combination of garlic, honey, tamari, and a touch of ginger makes these chicken thighs feel rich and nostalgic, while keeping things light and easy on digestion. This version is gluten-free, dairy-free, and naturally refined sugar-free, but you’d never guess. Whether you’re hosting friends or just looking for a stress-free weeknight dinner, honey garlic chicken thighs (GF DF) always deliver big flavor with minimal effort.
If you’re a fan of hearty gluten-free meals, you’ll also love my Gluten-Free Chicken Dinner Recipes collection or this Lemon Herb Gluten-Free Chicken Skillet for another weeknight favorite.
Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs (GF DF)
Equipment
- Oven-Safe Skillet
- Small Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Chicken
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
Honey Garlic Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/3 cup raw honey
- 3 tbsp gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger or 1 tsp fresh grated ginger
- 1 tsp arrowroot starch optional, for thickening
- 1 tbsp water if using starch
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken skin-side down for 5–6 minutes until golden. Flip and cook another 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, tamari, vinegar, garlic, and ginger. If using arrowroot, stir it into the water separately and add to the sauce.
- Drain excess fat from skillet. Pour sauce over chicken. Transfer skillet to oven and bake 25–30 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F.
- Optional: Broil on high for 2–3 minutes to crisp the skin and caramelize glaze. Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Spoon sauce over chicken to serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Ingredients for Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs (GF DF)
You’ll only need a few pantry staples to bring this dish to life. Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for the best flavor and juiciness.
For the chicken:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
For the honey garlic sauce:
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ⅓ cup raw honey
- 3 tablespoons gluten-free tamari (or coconut aminos)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger (or 1 teaspoon fresh grated)
- 1 teaspoon arrowroot starch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon water (if using starch)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep and Sear the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Heat oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken skin-side down for about 5–6 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip and cook another 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, tamari, vinegar, garlic, and ginger. If you like a thicker glaze, dissolve arrowroot starch in water separately.
3. Pour and Bake
Drain excess fat from the skillet, then pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken. If using arrowroot, stir in the slurry. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
4. Broil for Finish (Optional)
To crisp the skin and caramelize the glaze, broil on high for 2–3 minutes. Watch closely!
5. Rest and Serve
Let the chicken rest 5 minutes before serving. Spoon extra sauce from the pan over the top. Serve with rice, roasted vegetables, or over a fresh salad.
Tips for Perfect Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs (GF DF)
- Dry the chicken well before searing to help the skin crisp up.
- Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for best flavor and moisture.
- Don’t skip the broil at the end, it gives you that restaurant-style sticky glaze.
- If using coconut aminos instead of tamari, reduce the honey slightly since coconut aminos are naturally sweeter.
- For a little heat, add a pinch of red chili flakes to the sauce.
Looking for other cozy chicken recipes? Try these BBQ Chicken Drumsticks with Roasted Potatoes or our Gluten-Free Chicken Piccata with Capers, both gluten-free and full of flavor.
Variations to Make It Your Own
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs (GF DF):
Skip the sear and add everything directly to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Finish under the broiler for crispy skin if desired.
Boneless Option:
You can use boneless skinless thighs, just reduce the baking time to 20 minutes. The flavor still holds up beautifully.
Vegetable Add-Ins:
Add chopped carrots or broccoli to the skillet before baking for a one-pan meal. The sauce coats the veggies perfectly.
For a lighter twist:
Swap the thighs for skinless chicken breasts, but be careful not to overbake. Serve over zoodles or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
If you enjoy playful takes on comfort food, don’t miss this Classic Gluten-Free Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes or our reader-loved Quick Gluten-Free Chicken Stir Fry.
Storage and Meal Prep
This dish is meal prep gold. The flavors only deepen after a day in the fridge.
To store:
- Let chicken cool fully before refrigerating. Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
To reheat:
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes or in a skillet with a splash of water to prevent drying out.
To freeze:
- Place cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.
Pair it with batch-cooked grains or veggies to create delicious mix-and-match lunches all week. For more meal prep-friendly ideas, try these Gluten-Free Chicken Nuggets, perfect for lunches or freezer stocking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s quick to prepare and oven-baked for easy cleanup.
- The sweet-savory glaze is addictively delicious.
- It’s a true comfort food classic without gluten or dairy.
- Perfect for both weeknights and guests.
- Great for meal prep or freezer-friendly meals.
Looking for more gluten-free family favorites? This Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken is always a crowd-pleaser.
Final Thoughts
Honey garlic chicken thighs (GF DF) have become a staple in my kitchen, and for good reason. They’re budget-friendly, deeply flavorful, and adaptable to your needs. Whether you’re navigating new dietary changes or just craving something delicious and cozy, this recipe hits all the right notes.
Make it once, and I promise it’ll become part of your regular rotation.