Honey-Garlic Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is quick, easy, and absolutely delicious. The combination of honey and garlic creates a glossy, caramelized sauce that clings to every bite of juicy chicken. It’s family-friendly, pairs beautifully with rice or noodles, and doesn’t require any complicated steps or fancy ingredients. Plus, it’s versatile—you can make it with chicken breasts, thighs, or even wings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
salt
black pepper
cornstarch (optional, for light coating)
vegetable oil or olive oil
garlic (minced)
honey
soy sauce
rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
water
cornstarch (for sauce thickening, optional)
green onions (sliced, for garnish)
sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Lightly toss with cornstarch if a crispy coating is desired.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and water. For a thicker sauce, mix in a teaspoon of cornstarch.
5. Pour the sauce into the skillet and bring to a simmer.
6. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Toss to coat the chicken in the sauce.
7. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
8. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Honey-Garlic: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for heat.
• Baked Version: Bake coated chicken pieces at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, then toss in the sauce.
• Crispy Version: Use a thicker cornstarch coating and shallow fry the chicken for crunch.
• Sticky Chicken Wings: Use the same sauce on baked or fried wings for a great party appetizer.
• Slow Cooker Option: Cook chicken and sauce on low for 3–4 hours for a set-it-and-forget-it meal.
• Air Fryer Honey-Garlic Chicken: Air fry chicken pieces and toss them in the sauce for a lighter, crisp version.
• Add Veggies: Toss in steamed broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for a complete one-pan meal.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much in the fridge.
Freeze cooked chicken and sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

FAQs

What kind of chicken works best?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for quick cooking and even flavor.

Can I use pre-minced garlic?

Yes, but fresh garlic will give the best flavor. Adjust quantity based on taste.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be—use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make it gluten-free.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, cook the chicken and sauce, then store separately or together for easy reheating later.

What goes well with honey-garlic chicken?

Steamed rice, noodles, stir-fried vegetables, or a crisp green salad are great pairings.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Add 1 teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water to the sauce while simmering.

Can I use chicken tenders?

Yes, just cut them into chunks for even cooking.

How sweet is this dish?

It’s mildly sweet with a savory balance from the soy sauce and tang from the vinegar. Adjust honey to taste.

Can I make this without vinegar?

Yes, but vinegar balances the sweetness. A splash of lemon juice is a good substitute.

What oil is best for cooking the chicken?

Any neutral oil like vegetable, canola, or light olive oil works well for searing.

Conclusion

Honey-Garlic Chicken is a fast, flavorful recipe that brings sweet and savory together in perfect harmony. With its sticky glaze, juicy chicken, and simple prep, it’s a dinner you’ll come back to again and again. Whether you serve it with rice, veggies, or noodles, this easy dish is sure to become a household favorite.

Honey-Garlic Chicken

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Honey-Garlic Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish featuring bite-sized chicken pieces tossed in a sweet, savory, and sticky honey-garlic sauce. It’s ready in under 30 minutes and perfect for weeknight dinners.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
• Diet: Low Lactose

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for coating)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening sauce)
• 2 green onions (sliced, for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Toss with cornstarch for a light coating, if desired.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add more oil if needed and sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, vinegar, water, and 1 teaspoon cornstarch if using.
5. Pour the sauce into the skillet and bring to a simmer.
6. Return chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
7. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
8. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot with rice or noodles.

Notes

• Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.
• Serve with steamed veggies for a complete meal.
• Use tamari for a gluten-free version.
• Chicken tenders or wings also work well with this sauce.
• Add a splash of lemon juice if you don’t have vinegar.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
• Calories: 340
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 95mg