Honey Garlic Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy—ready in under 30 minutes
• Uses simple pantry ingredients
• Deliciously balanced sweet and savory flavors
• Works with chicken breasts, thighs, or even wings
• Pairs perfectly with rice, noodles, or vegetables

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 to taste
• Olive oil or vegetable oil for cooking
• Garlic, minced
• Honey
• Soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• Cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• Green onions or sesame seeds for garnish

Directions

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken on both sides until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant.
4. Add honey, soy sauce, and vinegar. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. For a thicker sauce, whisk cornstarch with a little water and stir into the pan until the sauce thickens.
6. Return chicken to the skillet, turning to coat it in the sauce.
7. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until fully glazed.
8. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds and serve hot.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Add red pepper flakes for a spicy version
• Use chicken wings or drumsticks for a game-day snack
• Replace vinegar with lemon juice for a citrusy twist
• Add broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers for extra veggies
• Make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce

Storage/Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
• Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes, but you’ll need to cook it longer to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Can I make this in the oven?

Yes, bake chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, then pour the sauce over before serving.

Can I use pre-minced garlic?

Yes, but fresh garlic gives the best flavor.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, its mild sweet flavor is usually loved by kids.

Can I make it without soy sauce?

Yes, substitute coconut aminos for a soy-free option.

How do I know when chicken is cooked?

Use a meat thermometer—165°F (74°C) is the safe internal temperature.

Can I meal prep this recipe?

Yes, it reheats well and is great for packed lunches.

Can I use other proteins?

Yes, shrimp, salmon, or tofu also work beautifully with the sauce.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Use a cornstarch slurry or simmer longer until reduced.

What sides go best with this?

Steamed rice, stir-fried veggies, or noodles are perfect accompaniments.

Conclusion

Honey Garlic Chicken is a fuss-free recipe that delivers bold, comforting flavors with minimal effort. Whether you serve it with rice, noodles, or a side of veggies, this sweet-savory dish is guaranteed to become a regular on your dinner menu.

Honey Garlic Chicken

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Honey Garlic Chicken is a quick, one-pan dish featuring tender chicken coated in a glossy, sweet-savory glaze made from honey, garlic, and soy sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a versatile and flavorful recipe perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Ingredients

1. 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
2. Salt and pepper, to taste
3. 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
4. 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
5. 1/3 cup honey
6. 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
7. 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
8. 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
9. Green onions or sesame seeds, for garnish

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Instructions

Season chicken: Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.

1. Sear chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
2. Make sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and vinegar. Simmer 1–2 minutes.
3. Thicken (optional): Mix cornstarch with water and stir into the sauce. Simmer until slightly thickened.
4. Coat chicken: Return chicken to skillet, turning to coat well in the glaze. Simmer 2–3 minutes until heated through.
5. Serve: Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds. Serve hot with rice, noodles, or vegetables.

Notes

1. Use chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option.
2. For a spicy twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
3. Coconut aminos can replace soy sauce for a soy-free version.
4. Fresh garlic is recommended for best flavor, but pre-minced works in a pinch.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
• Calories: 340
• Sugar: 17g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 95mg