If you’re searching for a weeknight dinner that’s packed with bold, mouthwatering flavor and comes together in a snap, look no further than Honey Garlic Chicken! This easy recipe balances sweet honey, zesty garlic, and a savory soy-based sauce, coating juicy chicken in irresistible stickiness. It’s the kind of dinner you’ll want on repeat: comforting, craveable, and so simple you’ll know it by heart after just one try.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. Every ingredient earns its spot by bringing a punch of flavor or a perfect touch of texture to the dish—there’s nothing extra, just essentials that work together in delicious harmony!
- Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for maximum juiciness or breasts for a lighter option—they both soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Olive Oil: Just one tablespoon gets your chicken golden and keeps things wonderfully moist.
- Garlic: Freshly minced cloves infuse the sauce with that classic aromatic zing—don’t skimp on the garlic!
- Honey: Natural sweetness transforms the sauce into a glossy, sticky glaze that’s absolutely addictive.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: This forms the savory backbone of the dish while keeping things balanced and not too salty.
- Apple Cider Vinegar (or Rice Vinegar): Just a splash adds brightness and gently cuts through the sweetness.
- Ground Black Pepper: A hint of warmth that brings out the other flavors—freshly cracked is always best!
- Cornstarch + Water (optional): If you love a thicker sauce that really clings to your chicken, this quick slurry is your best friend.
- Chopped Green Onions & Sesame Seeds: The final flourish for freshness and crunch, turning your plate into something restaurant-worthy.
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Heat up your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While that’s getting hot, season your chicken pieces with a little salt and black pepper for a pop of flavor. Add the chicken to the pan (you should hear a sizzle!) and cook for 4–5 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Once they’re perfect, set the chicken aside so you can build that irresistible sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Without cleaning the pan (you want all those tasty brown bits!), lower the heat to medium. Toss in your minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds, just until it’s fragrant. This quick sauté releases all the garlicky magic—be careful not to let it burn!
Step 3: Make the Sticky Sauce
Pour in the honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and black pepper. Stir it all together, scraping up any caramelized bits leftover from the chicken. Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes so the flavors meld together and start to thicken slightly. If you prefer your Honey Garlic Chicken sauce on the thicker side, now’s the time to whisk together the cornstarch and water, then stir it in—the transformation is almost immediate!
Step 4: Combine and Finish
Return your cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling the pieces right into that glossy sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the top and let it cook for another 2–3 minutes—just long enough for the chicken to heat through and become beautifully coated. That’s it! What you have now is sticky, sweet, and savory Honey Garlic Chicken that smells absolutely heavenly.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken
Garnishes
Garnishing Honey Garlic Chicken is the secret to turning a cozy dinner into a meal that feels special. Sprinkle chopped green onions and a scattering of sesame seeds over the top—these not only add a burst of color, but also freshness and the perfect toasty crunch in every bite.
Side Dishes
This dish loves company! Serve your Honey Garlic Chicken with warm steamed rice to soak up every last bit of sauce, buttery noodles for something extra-cozy, or pile on crisp-tender steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for a balanced plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Take things up a notch by slicing the chicken and arranging it over a bed of greens for a mouthwatering salad, or tuck it into lettuce wraps with a touch of sriracha for a lighter, flavor-packed twist. You could even pile it high into a grain bowl with pickled veggies for a show-stopping lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your Honey Garlic Chicken cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it will stay delicious for up to 3 days—perfect for easy lunches or second-day dinners that taste just as amazing.
Freezing
To freeze, simply place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible. It’ll keep happily for up to 2 months; just be sure to label and date it!
Reheating
Gently reheat your Honey Garlic Chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat (add a splash of water if you need to loosen the sauce), or microwave in short bursts until piping hot. The key is to warm it gently so the chicken stays tender and soaks up the sauce all over again.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Both boneless, skinless chicken breasts and thighs work beautifully for Honey Garlic Chicken. Breasts are leaner and cook a touch quicker, while thighs are especially juicy and flavorful—choose your favorite or use a mix!
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, just swap out the soy sauce for tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so you can still enjoy all the sweet and savory goodness without worries.
How can I adjust the sweetness?
If you prefer a less sweet sauce, simply reduce the honey by a tablespoon or add a splash more vinegar to balance the flavors. Taste as you go so your Honey Garlic Chicken ends up just right for you.
What if I don’t have fresh garlic?
Freshly minced garlic is hard to beat, but in a pinch, you can use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Stir it in with the rest of the sauce ingredients and you’ll still get that signature flavor.
Can I double the sauce?
Who could blame you? If you want extra sauce to drizzle over rice or veggies, simply double all the sauce ingredients—there’s plenty of room in the pan for more deliciousness!
Final Thoughts
Honey Garlic Chicken really is that magical recipe you’ll want to put on your weeknight (or weekend!) roster. I’m always amazed at how something so quick and simple can feel so special every single time. If you try it, I have a strong feeling this dish is about to become a new household favorite—happy cooking!
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Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and easy-to-make honey garlic chicken recipe that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender chicken cooked in a sweet and savory sauce, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (optional for thickening)
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: In a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken: Season and cook chicken for 4–5 minutes per side. Set aside.
- Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Make sauce: Stir in honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and black pepper. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Thicken sauce: If desired, add cornstarch mixture and simmer until thickened.
- Finish dish: Return chicken to skillet, coat with sauce, and cook for additional 2–3 minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.
- Chicken thighs result in a juicier dish, while chicken breasts offer a leaner option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken piece with sauce
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
