Honey garlic chicken is a sweet and savory dish featuring tender chicken coated in a rich, sticky glaze made from honey, garlic, and soy sauce. This easy-to-make meal is packed with flavor and pairs well with rice, vegetables, or noodles for a complete dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes
- Sweet and savory flavor – The perfect balance of honey, garlic, and soy sauce
- Uses simple ingredients – No hard-to-find items
- Versatile – Works with chicken thighs, breasts, or even wings
- Family-friendly – A meal everyone will love
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Salt and pepper
- Cornstarch (for coating)
- Olive oil or butter
- Garlic, minced
- Honey
- Soy sauce
- Apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
- Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish
Directions
- Prepare the chicken – Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper. Coat lightly with cornstarch for a crispy texture.
- Sear the chicken – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Make the sauce – In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds. Add honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Stir and let it simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine everything – Return the cooked chicken to the pan, tossing it in the sauce until well coated. Let it cook for another 2 minutes.
- Garnish and serve – Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve hot with rice or vegetables.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Crispy Version: Coat the chicken in more cornstarch and pan-fry until extra crispy before adding the sauce.
- Baked Option: Bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, then toss with the sauce.
- Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Stir in broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for extra nutrients.
- Low-Carb/Keto: Use a sugar-free honey substitute and serve with cauliflower rice.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short intervals until heated through.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, but adjust the cooking time to ensure it’s fully cooked.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Let it simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water).
What can I serve with honey garlic chicken?
Rice, noodles, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Can I use chicken wings instead?
Yes! This sauce works great for wings—bake or fry them first, then toss in the sauce.
How do I make this dish healthier?
Use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the honey slightly.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to keep it gluten-free.
Can I add ginger to the sauce?
Absolutely! Fresh grated ginger adds extra depth of flavor.
What type of honey works best?
Raw or pure honey works best for a natural sweetness.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat.
Conclusion
Honey garlic chicken is a quick, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its deliciously sticky sauce and tender chicken, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy an easy homemade meal that’s better than takeout.
Print
Honey Garlic Chicken
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
This Honey Garlic Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken pieces with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner and pairs well with rice and steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) honey
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) water
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sear until golden brown and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Drain excess grease, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the pan.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pan with the chicken. Sauté until fragrant, approximately 30 seconds.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, water, rice vinegar, and soy sauce. Pour this mixture over the chicken.
- Simmer: Increase the heat to medium-high and cook until the sauce reduces and thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve over rice or alongside steamed vegetables.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Bone-in or boneless chicken thighs can be used in this recipe.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.