Say hello to your next must-try dinner: Honey Garlic Chicken. Sweet, savory, and absolutely stunning on the table, this dish brings juicy chicken together with a glossy, sticky sauce that’s a little tangy and utterly irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or hoping to wow friends with a simple yet elegant meal, Honey Garlic Chicken truly delivers. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal fuss, you’ll have a vibrant, saucy skillet of pure comfort food — all ready in about half an hour!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Honey Garlic Chicken lies in its short ingredient list and how each component plays a crucial role. These basics come together to create a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts—the honey caramelizes, the soy sauce brightens, and fresh garlic fills your kitchen with the best aroma imaginable!
- Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Choose boneless, skinless options for the juiciest results and quickest cook time; thighs provide extra flavor and tenderness.
- Olive Oil: Use this for searing your chicken to a gorgeous golden brown, locking in all those juices.
- Salt: Enhances the chicken’s natural flavors and balances the sweetness of the sauce.
- Black Pepper: Adds just a touch of warmth and subtle spice without overpowering the dish.
- Fresh Garlic: Four cloves, minced, will bring out those wonderful garlicky notes that make the sauce unforgettable.
- Honey: The star of the show, providing a luscious sweetness and sticky, glossy finish to the sauce.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: For umami depth and salty balance that elevates the whole skillet.
- Apple Cider Vinegar or Rice Vinegar: A splash of tang rounds out the flavors and prevents the sauce from becoming too sweet.
- Cornstarch Slurry (optional): Mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with water if you like your sauce thicker and even more luscious.
- Chopped Green Onions and Sesame Seeds: These fresh garnishes add color, crunch, and complexity to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken
Step 1: Season and Prep the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken dry—this helps achieve that perfect sear. Sprinkle both sides with salt and black pepper, ensuring every bite is flavorful. If you’re working with thicker chicken breasts, consider pounding them lightly for even cooking.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, place the chicken pieces in the pan and let them cook undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes per side. You’re looking for golden, caramelized exteriors and chicken that’s almost cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate; you’ll add them back soon!
Step 3: Build the Honey Garlic Chicken Sauce
In the same skillet (don’t wash it out!), toss in your minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant—watch closely so it doesn’t burn. Pour in the honey, soy sauce, and your chosen vinegar, then stir everything together as it begins to bubble and come alive. This combination creates the signature sticky-sweet glaze that sets Honey Garlic Chicken apart.
Step 4: Finish Cooking the Chicken in the Sauce
Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling each piece into that beautiful sauce. Let it simmer gently for another 5 to 7 minutes, turning the chicken occasionally so every inch gets bathed in flavor. The sauce will thicken slightly, and the chicken will finish cooking to perfection.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you’re after an ultra-glossy, sticky sauce, quickly whisk together the cornstarch and water to form a slurry. Stir this into the simmering skillet and let it cook for 1 to 2 minutes more. Watch as the sauce transforms—thicker, shinier, and ready to cling to every bite.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, scatter freshly chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds over the top. These final touches add color, a subtle crunch, and that inviting “wow” factor to your Honey Garlic Chicken.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken
Garnishes
Don’t skip the garnishes! A generous handful of chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds take this dish from good to unforgettable. The green onions contribute freshness and a gentle bite, while sesame seeds bring nutty depth and a little extra crunch. If you’re feeling fancy, add a few chili flakes for subtle heat or a twist of lime for an unexpected zing.
Side Dishes
Honey Garlic Chicken pairs beautifully with fluffy steamed jasmine rice, which soaks up that glossy sauce perfectly. For a healthier touch, try it with brown rice or quinoa. Stir-fried or steamed vegetables—think broccoli, snap peas, or carrots—make lovely companions, adding bright color and crisp texture to every plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not dress up your Honey Garlic Chicken for a party? Slice the cooked chicken into strips and serve it over a big platter of greens for an entree salad with a twist. Thread cubes of chicken onto skewers as an appetizer, or tuck them into lettuce wraps with shredded veggies for a fresh, hand-held option. This versatile recipe is eager to mingle with whatever you have on hand!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Honey Garlic Chicken (lucky you!), allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days, perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Honey Garlic Chicken for future meals. Store the cooled chicken and sauce together in a freezer-safe container or a zipped plastic bag, pressing out as much air as possible. It will stay delicious for up to three months—just thaw overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready to use it.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm your chicken and sauce gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave individual portions in short bursts, stirring occasionally until hot all the way through. The flavors often deepen and meld as it sits, making leftovers just as crave-worthy!
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Both boneless skinless chicken breasts and thighs work well in this recipe. Thighs stay a little juicier, but if you prefer leaner meat, breasts will still soak up all that incredible honey garlic sauce.
Is there a substitute for soy sauce?
Yes, you can swap out soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos if you’re looking for a gluten-free or lower-sodium option. The flavor will remain rich and savory, perfect for Honey Garlic Chicken fans with dietary restrictions.
What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar?
No worries! Rice vinegar is a wonderful substitute and gives the sauce a delicate tang. White wine vinegar will also work in a pinch, but avoid regular distilled white vinegar, as it can be overpowering.
Can I double the sauce?
Definitely! Many people love having extra sauce to drizzle over rice or veggies. Just double the amounts for honey, soy sauce, garlic, and vinegar, then adjust seasoning as needed to suit your taste.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is ready when the juices run clear and a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C). If you’re unsure, slice into the middle of one piece—there should be no pink remaining.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about Honey Garlic Chicken that brings people together—maybe it’s the sweet-and-savory harmony or the fact that it’s so easy, yet so impressive. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try soon and make it your own family favorite. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked!
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Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is a delightful Asian-inspired dish that balances sweet and savory flavors perfectly. Tender chicken pieces are cooked in a sticky honey garlic sauce, creating a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
For Garnish:
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Sprinkle salt and pepper over the chicken pieces.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the chicken until golden and nearly cooked. Set aside.
- Cook the sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic, then add honey, soy sauce, and vinegar. Simmer.
- Finish cooking: Return chicken to the skillet and cook until fully done, coating in the sauce.
- Thicken the sauce: Optionally, add cornstarch slurry for a thicker sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.
- You can use chicken thighs for juicier results or double the sauce for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken piece with sauce
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
