Marinate the chicken: Season the chicken thighs with soy sauce, black pepper, sugar, and garlic powder. Once well coated, dust them with a thin layer of cornstarch to help lock in the flavor and create a light crust.
Pan-sear the chicken: Heat a pan over medium heat and sear the chicken thighs for about 3–4 minutes per side, depending on their thickness, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Make the sauce: In the same pan, melt butter over low heat. Add the diced garlic and sauté gently for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Make the glaze: Stir in soy sauce, honey, and water. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then return the chicken thighs to the pan. Let them cook in the sauce until it thickens slightly, tossing occasionally to coat every piece.
Serve and enjoy: Slice the chicken into your preferred size, spoon extra sauce over the top, and serve hot with a bowl of rice.