Honey Garlic Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is the ultimate combination of sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors. The honey garlic sauce caramelizes beautifully as it coats the tender chicken, creating a sticky glaze that’s both comforting and addictive. It comes together in just one pan with simple ingredients and minimal prep, making it an ideal choice for busy nights. Serve it with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

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

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cornstarch (optional, for a light crust)
• Olive oil
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
• Water (optional, to thin the sauce)
• Green onions or sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper. Optionally, toss with a little cornstarch for extra crispiness.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken and cook for about 5–6 minutes, turning occasionally until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add more oil if needed. Sauté the garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and vinegar. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Add a splash of water if needed to thin the sauce.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and glazes the chicken.
7. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired, and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Use chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful option.
• Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.
• Include vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for a stir-fry style meal.
• Substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version.
• Add a touch of ginger for extra depth and warmth in the sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but it will require a longer cooking time. For quicker prep, boneless chicken is recommended.

What’s the best way to get a thick, sticky sauce?

Simmer the sauce until it reduces slightly. Cornstarch on the chicken helps the sauce cling better.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not by default, but you can use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make it gluten-free.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can cook and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently to maintain the texture and flavor.

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but you can substitute with garlic powder if needed—start with ½ teaspoon.

What sides go well with Honey Garlic Chicken?

It pairs well with rice, quinoa, noodles, or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans.

Can I make this in the oven instead of a skillet?

Yes, bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, then toss with the sauce on the stovetop.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Avoid overcooking, especially when using breasts. Thighs are more forgiving and stay moist.

Can I double the sauce?

Absolutely. If you like your dish extra saucy, double the honey, soy sauce, and vinegar mixture.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes, the sweet and savory flavors make it a favorite with kids. Reduce the garlic if they prefer a milder taste.

Conclusion

Honey Garlic Chicken is a quick, flavorful, and versatile dish that transforms simple ingredients into something truly special. With its sticky, savory-sweet sauce and tender chicken, it’s the kind of recipe that quickly becomes a family favorite. Perfect for busy nights or casual dinners, it’s a delicious and reliable meal you’ll want to make again and again.

Honey Garlic Chicken

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Honey Garlic Chicken is a sweet and savory dish featuring tender chicken coated in a sticky, garlicky glaze made with honey, soy sauce, and vinegar. This one-pan recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for weeknight dinners.

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

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons water (optional, to thin sauce)
• Sliced green onions or sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper. Optionally, toss with cornstarch for a light crust.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4. Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add more oil if needed and sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and vinegar. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Add water if needed to adjust consistency.
6. Return chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens and glazes the chicken.
7. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot with rice, noodles, or vegetables.

Notes

• For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
• Use chicken thighs for juicier results.
• Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for a spicy variation.
• Include vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers for a one-pan meal.
• Double the sauce if serving over rice or noodles and want extra glaze.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 90mg