Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
If you’re searching for a dinner that’s equal parts sweet, savory, and downright irresistible, look no further than Honey Garlic Chicken. This dish is a weeknight hero in my kitchen, blending tender chicken with a glossy, garlicky sauce that clings to every bite. In just 25 minutes, you’ll have a meal that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for serving with rice, noodles, or your favorite veggies. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, Honey Garlic Chicken is guaranteed to become a regular request!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Honey Garlic Chicken comes from its handful of simple, everyday ingredients. Each one brings something special to the table, building layers of flavor and creating that signature sticky sauce everyone loves.
- Chicken thighs or breasts (1½ pounds): Thighs stay juicy and tender, but breasts work beautifully if you prefer white meat.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): For a golden sear and a hint of richness in every bite.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): The star aromatics, infusing the sauce with bold, savory depth.
- Honey (½ cup): Brings natural sweetness and that gorgeous, lacquered finish to the chicken.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (¼ cup): Adds salty, umami undertones and prevents the dish from becoming overly salty.
- Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar (2 tablespoons): Lends a gentle tang that balances the sweetness.
- Cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water): Thickens the sauce to that perfect, glossy consistency.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Gives a subtle warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Sesame seeds (1 teaspoon, optional): Sprinkle for crunch and a nutty aroma.
- Sliced green onions: The ultimate fresh garnish that pops against the sticky sauce.
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by deciding whether you want bite-sized pieces or whole chicken thighs or breasts. Cutting the chicken into chunks means more surface area for that delicious sauce, but leaving them whole keeps things juicier. Either way, pat the chicken dry so it browns up beautifully in the skillet.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add your chicken. Let it cook undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until it develops a deep golden color and is cooked through if you left the pieces whole. This step locks in the juices and builds a flavor base for the sauce.
Step 3: Mix the Honey Garlic Sauce
While the chicken sizzles, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and black pepper in a small bowl. This is the flavor-packed liquid gold that will transform your chicken into something extraordinary.
Step 4: Sauté the Garlic
Add the minced garlic directly to the pan with the chicken. Let it cook for about 30 seconds, just until it’s fragrant and mellowed. Stir it around so it doesn’t burn; you want that garlicky aroma to lift and perfume the whole dish.
Step 5: Simmer and Thicken
Pour the honey mixture over the chicken and turn the heat down to medium-low. Let everything simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring to coat the chicken in that dreamy sauce. Then, stir in your cornstarch slurry and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens up and clings to every piece.
Step 6: Finish and Garnish
Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle over sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a pop of color and crunch. Now your Honey Garlic Chicken is ready to serve hot and fresh!
How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken
Garnishes
Don’t skip the final flourish! Sesame seeds add gentle crunch and a hint of nuttiness, while fresh green onions wake up the flavors with their crisp bite and color. If you love a little heat, try a few red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil.
Side Dishes
This dish absolutely shines over fluffy steamed rice or a tangle of noodles, soaking up every drop of the sticky sauce. You can also serve it alongside stir-fried vegetables, roasted broccoli, or even a crunchy Asian slaw for balance.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling playful, turn Honey Garlic Chicken into lettuce wraps for a hand-held treat, or skewer the pieces for a party appetizer. It’s also fantastic tucked into a warm bao bun with pickled veggies for an Asian-inspired sandwich twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Honey Garlic Chicken to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep and next-day lunches.
Freezing
To freeze, let the chicken cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe bags or containers. It keeps well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, and you’ll have a quick, delicious meal whenever you need it.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat Honey Garlic Chicken gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce needs loosening. The microwave works in a pinch, too; just cover to keep it moist and heat in 30-second bursts until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts are a great lean option and turn out just as flavorful. Just be sure not to overcook them, as they can dry out more quickly than thighs.
Is there a substitute for honey?
If you’re out of honey or want to try something different, pure maple syrup or agave nectar both work well. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious and sticky-sweet.
Can I make Honey Garlic Chicken gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap out the soy sauce for a gluten-free version like tamari or coconut aminos. Double-check your other ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free as well.
What can I do if my sauce is too thick or too thin?
If the sauce thickens too much, simply stir in a splash of water or chicken broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer or add a touch more cornstarch slurry until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! Mix the honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and pepper in advance and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. This makes it even quicker to whip up Honey Garlic Chicken on busy nights.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to add a new favorite to your dinner rotation, Honey Garlic Chicken is a must-try. It’s quick, easy, and absolutely packed with flavor. Give it a go and watch it become a staple at your table—you might even find yourself craving it again tomorrow!
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Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A quick and flavorful Honey Garlic Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken thighs or breasts cooked in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner served over rice, noodles, or vegetables.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
Garnish
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
- Sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces or keep whole based on your preference. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken.
- Cook Chicken: Cook the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side (or until browned and cooked through if whole). Ensure the chicken is fully cooked before proceeding.
- Make Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and black pepper. Add the minced garlic directly to the skillet with the chicken and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour the honey sauce mixture over the chicken and reduce heat to medium-low. Let the sauce simmer for 3–4 minutes to meld flavors together.
- Thicken Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue cooking for 2–3 minutes more, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken nicely.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve hot over rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken for a faster meal—simply simmer in the sauce to warm through.
- Adjust the honey or soy sauce amounts to suit your preferred sweetness and saltiness levels.
- For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Adding crushed red pepper flakes can give the dish a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
