Honey Garlic Chicken

Honey Garlic Chicken

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If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and flavor-packed chicken dish, this honey garlic chicken is just what you need! The juicy, tender chicken is coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory honey garlic sauce that pairs perfectly with rice, veggies, or noodles.

This dish is family-friendly, budget-friendly, and ready in 30 minutes! Whether you’re making a weeknight dinner or prepping for meal planning, this recipe is a must-try.

Honey Garlic Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Recipe

  • Quick and easy, ready in just 30 minutes.

  • Flavor-packed with a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness.

  • Simple ingredients that are easy to find.

  • A healthy and high-protein meal with lean chicken and natural honey.

Best Chicken to Use for Honey Garlic Chicken

For the best texture and flavor, you can use:

  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs – Juicy, flavorful, and hard to overcook.

  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – Leaner and still delicious.

  • Bone-In Chicken Thighs – Extra juicy but takes longer to cook.

Ingredients List

For the Chicken:

  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for crispy coating)

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter for richness)

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

  • ¼ cup honey

  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)

  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (adds a deep, nutty flavor)

  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

  • ½ cup water

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (to thicken the sauce)

For Garnish:

  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

  • 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped

Timing

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

  • Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  • Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

  • Season with salt and black pepper.

  • Toss the chicken in cornstarch to create a light, crispy coating.

Step 2: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

  • In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and water.

  • In a separate bowl, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to form a slurry. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

  • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.

  • Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.

  • Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce

  • In the same pan, pour in the honey garlic sauce and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

  • Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens.

Step 5: Coat the Chicken in Sauce

  • Add the cooked chicken back to the pan.

  • Toss until each piece is fully coated in the sticky honey garlic sauce.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

  • Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

  • Serve hot with steamed rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables.

Honey Garlic Chicken

Best Side Dishes for Honey Garlic Chicken

Pair this dish with these tasty sides:

  • Steamed Jasmine Rice

  • Garlic Butter Noodles

  • Roasted Broccoli

  • Stir-Fried Vegetables

  • Mashed Potatoes

Baking vs. Pan-Frying Honey Garlic Chicken

Pan-Frying (Crispy & Fast)

  • Cooks in under 20 minutes.

  • Creates a crispy outer layer.

Baking (Healthier & Hands-Free)

  • Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.

  • Uses less oil, making it a healthier option.

Both methods work great—choose based on your preference!

Can You Use Frozen Chicken?

Yes! Follow these steps:

  1. Thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge.

  2. Pat dry before seasoning.

  3. Cook as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

Tips for the Best Honey Garlic Chicken

  • Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.

  • Don’t overcook the chicken to keep it juicy.

  • Let the sauce simmer to get a rich, caramelized texture.

  • Add red pepper flakes or sriracha if you want some heat.

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

Refrigerating

  • Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezing

  • Freeze in portions for up to 2 months.

Reheating

  • Reheat in a pan over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 400

  • Protein: 35g

  • Carbohydrates: 30g

  • Fat: 15g

  • Sodium: 600mg

FAQs 

Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?

Yes! Use tamari instead of soy sauce.

What If I Don’t Have Honey?

Swap it with maple syrup or brown sugar.

Can I Use a Different Protein?

Absolutely! Try this recipe with shrimp, tofu, or beef.

Conclusion

This honey garlic chicken is an easy and delicious meal that you can whip up in 30 minutes. It’s sweet, savory, and packed with flavor, making it a perfect dinner option for any night of the week. Try it tonight and enjoy a better-than-takeout meal at home.