Honey Garlic Chicken

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

  1. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until golden brown on both sides.
  3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  5. Stir in the honey, soy sauce, and vinegar, simmering for 2-3 minutes.
  6. If desired, mix cornstarch with a little water and add to the sauce to thicken.
  7. Return the chicken to the skillet and coat with the sauce, cooking for another 5 minutes.
  8. 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

Honey Garlic Chicken

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!

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Honey Garlic Chicken

Honey Garlic Chicken

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  • Author: samahkitchen
  • 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

Units Scale

  • 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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).
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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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