Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Honey Garlic Chicken is the answer to those weeknights when you crave something irresistibly sweet, savory, and just a little bit sticky, but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have juicy chicken coated in a shimmering honey garlic glaze, bursting with flavor and ready to wow everyone at the table. This dish is all about balance: a hint of tang from vinegar, a salty splash of soy sauce, loads of garlicky goodness — and of course, the warmth of honey tying it all together. It’s an Asian-inspired comfort classic that’s perfect for both weeknight suppers and meals with friends.

Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward, but each one is a key player in making your Honey Garlic Chicken sing with flavor. Gather everything before you start for a smoother and speedier cooking process.

  • Chicken (1.5 lbs boneless, skinless thighs or breasts): Thighs stay especially juicy, but breasts are just as delicious if you prefer them.
  • Honey (1/3 cup): The star sweetener, creating the signature glossy, sticky sauce.
  • Low-sodium soy sauce (1/4 cup): Adds that deep umami and seasoning — low sodium keeps things balanced.
  • Garlic, minced (4 cloves): The more the merrier for bold, aromatic flavor.
  • Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon): Just a splash for tang and to brighten the sauce.
  • Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Whisks up the sauce to the perfect thickness.
  • Water (2 tablespoons): For mixing with cornstarch and adjusting sauce consistency.
  • Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Gives the chicken a gorgeous golden sear and prevents sticking.
  • Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Simple seasoning to highlight the honey and garlic.
  • Sesame seeds (1 tablespoon, optional): Adds crunch and a subtle nutty flavor as a garnish.
  • Chopped green onions (2 tablespoons, optional): Provides a fresh pop of color and mild oniony bite.

How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Mix Up the Sauce

Start by whisking together your honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and vinegar in a small bowl. This combo is where all the bold flavor of Honey Garlic Chicken comes from — taste it, and you’ll get a preview of that sweet-savory magic. Set your sauce aside for now.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Sprinkle your chicken thighs or breasts with a generous dusting of black pepper. This little touch helps the chicken develop a savory crust as it cooks, and balances out the sweetness of the sauce later on.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook it for about 5 to 6 minutes per side until it’s golden and cooked through. Don’t rush this step; the nice browning builds irresistible flavor. Once your chicken is done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside — you’ll bring it back soon!

Step 4: Create the Glaze

In that same skillet (hello, extra flavor!), pour in your honey garlic sauce. Bring it to a simmer so the garlic can bloom and the sauce starts bubbling with potential. Meanwhile, in a separate small bowl, stir together the cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Whisk this into the simmering sauce and watch as it thickens into a glossy, velvety glaze over 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 5: Coat the Chicken

Return the seared chicken to your skillet. Toss it in the thickened honey garlic sauce, making sure every piece is beautifully coated. Let it cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, just until the chicken is heated through and glistening. This is Honey Garlic Chicken perfection!

How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken

Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

When it comes to finishing touches, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and a smattering of chopped green onions elevate your Honey Garlic Chicken from simple to stunning. The seeds add a gentle crunch, while the green onions bring a welcome burst of freshness and color — never skip the garnishes if you want that restaurant-worthy look!

Side Dishes

This dish loves company: think steamed jasmine or brown rice to soak up that sauce, stir-fried veggies like crisp broccoli or bok choy for a pop of color, or even noodles to make things extra hearty. A light cucumber salad or simple sautéed greens makes a refreshing contrast to all that honeyed richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the chicken and piling it over rice bowls with quick-pickled veggies. Or, shred it for delicious Honey Garlic Chicken sliders in toasted mini buns with crunchy slaw. For a family-style feast, serve everything on a big platter with extra garnishes and let everyone build their own perfect plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Honey Garlic Chicken is a lifesaver for busy days! Once cooled, pop it in an airtight container and store in the fridge where it will stay juicy and flavorful for up to four days. Drizzle extra sauce over the top to keep everything moist and tasty.

Freezing

If you want to prep this meal even further ahead, you can freeze Honey Garlic Chicken with great success. Store portions in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating — the sauce may separate a little, but it comes right back with a gentle stir.

Reheating

Gently reheat your chicken and sauce together in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the glaze. The microwave also works for quick lunches — just cover to keep it moist and heat in short bursts, stirring between each one. Either way, your Honey Garlic Chicken will be just as satisfying the second (or third!) time around.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Both chicken breasts and thighs work beautifully in this recipe. Thighs result in a juicier bite, but breasts will still be tender and flavorful, especially when cooked as directed.

Is Honey Garlic Chicken gluten-free?

Yes, it can be! Simply swap the soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free alternative, and you’re good to go. Always double-check labels to ensure all your ingredients are gluten-free if you’re cooking for someone with sensitivities.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add a half teaspoon (or more, to taste) of red pepper flakes to your honey garlic sauce before simmering. You can also top the finished dish with a few slices of fresh chili for some heat and color.

Can I bake Honey Garlic Chicken instead of using a skillet?

Yes! Arrange your seasoned chicken in a baking dish, pour the honey garlic sauce on top, and bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Finish with a minute under the broiler if you love crispy edges.

What’s the best way to meal prep this recipe?

Cook a double batch and portion the Honey Garlic Chicken with rice and veggies in meal prep containers. Store in the fridge for easy heat-and-eat lunches or dinners all week long.

Final Thoughts

If you’re yearning for a dinner that’s both fast and packed with flavor, give this Honey Garlic Chicken a try. I promise you’ll find it’s the sort of meal people request again and again — and it’s so simple, you’ll love making it just as much as eating it.

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Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe


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4.8 from 21 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Description

Tender, juicy chicken coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, this easy stovetop recipe is perfect for a quick and delicious dinner.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

Sauce:

  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional)


Instructions

  1. Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and vinegar. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken with black pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  3. Cook the Sauce: In the same skillet, pour in the honey garlic sauce and simmer. Mix cornstarch and water in a bowl, then stir into the sauce. Simmer until thickened.
  4. Combine: Return chicken to the skillet, toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
  5. Serve: Enjoy hot over rice, noodles, or vegetables.

Notes

  • For added spice, include 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
  • You can bake the chicken and pour the sauce over it for a different presentation.
  • This dish is meal prep-friendly and can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 520mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

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