Honey Garlic Chicken is a delicious, sweet, and savory dish that features tender chicken cooked in a rich honey garlic sauce. This easy-to-make meal is perfect for busy weeknights and pairs well with rice, vegetables, or noodles.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes.
- Balanced sweet and savory flavors.
- Uses simple pantry ingredients.
- Perfect for meal prep and leftovers.
- Customizable with different proteins and vegetables.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Olive oil or butter
- Garlic, minced
- Honey
- Soy sauce
- Apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
- Cornstarch (optional for thickening)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish
Directions
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until golden brown on both sides.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in the honey, soy sauce, and vinegar, simmering for 2-3 minutes.
- If desired, mix cornstarch with a little water and add to the sauce to thicken.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and coat with the sauce, cooking for another 5 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for extra heat.
- Crispy Version: Dredge the chicken in flour or cornstarch before pan-frying.
- Vegetable Additions: Stir in bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Slow Cooker Option: Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This dish reheats well and is great for meal prep.
What can I serve with Honey Garlic Chicken?
Rice, quinoa, noodles, or steamed vegetables pair perfectly.
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes! Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Add a cornstarch slurry and let it simmer until thickened.
Can I bake this instead of pan-frying?
Yes! Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, basting with sauce occasionally.
Is this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Just use olive oil instead of butter.
What’s the best way to make it less sweet?
Reduce the honey and add more soy sauce or vinegar for balance.
Can I add nuts for texture?
Yes! Cashews or peanuts add a great crunch.
Is this dish keto-friendly?
Use a sugar-free honey substitute to make it keto-friendly.
How can I add more protein?
Serve with tofu, shrimp, or additional chicken.
Conclusion
Honey Garlic Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or meal prep idea, this dish is sure to satisfy. Try it today and enjoy a delicious homemade meal!
Print
Honey Garlic Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A deliciously sticky and flavorful chicken dish made with a perfect balance of honey, garlic, and soy sauce. Great for an easy weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
- 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter (for extra richness)
- 2 tbsp green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Sear the chicken – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with black pepper and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Make the sauce – In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low and add garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Thicken the sauce – If a thicker sauce is desired, mix cornstarch with 1 tbsp water and stir into the sauce. Simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Coat the chicken – Return chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over it. Let simmer for another 3-5 minutes until chicken is fully cooked (165°F internal temperature). Add butter and stir to blend.
- Serve – Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve warm with rice or steamed veggies.
Notes
- Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a variation.
- Add broccoli or bell peppers for extra veggies.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier option
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