Introduction
Honey Garlic Chicken is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors that makes chicken irresistible. The honey adds a caramelized glaze, the garlic adds depth, and soy sauce brings in a savory umami kick. The result is tender, juicy chicken coated in a sticky, glossy sauce that pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or even veggies.
This dish is a crowd-pleaser because it’s easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and tastes like something straight from your favorite Asian restaurant—but you can make it at home in less than 30 minutes.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love Honey Garlic Chicken because it’s quick, comforting, and packed with flavor. It uses pantry-friendly ingredients yet delivers bold taste. The sauce clings perfectly to the chicken, creating a sticky glaze that’s both sweet and savory.
It’s also versatile—you can use chicken thighs, breasts, or even wings. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you want a dish that feels indulgent but is still wholesome. Plus, my family always asks for seconds, which says it all!
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
- Quick & Easy – ready in 25 minutes.
- Simple Ingredients – no fancy shopping required.
- Restaurant-Quality Taste – sweet, garlicky, sticky glaze.
- Versatile – works with rice, noodles, or roasted veggies.
- Kid-Approved & Family-Friendly – everyone loves it!
Preparation & Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings & Nutrition
- Servings: 4 portions
- Calories: ~360 calories per serving
Cuisine & Course
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired / Fusion
- Course: Main Course, Dinner
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs (700 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening sauce)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds, for garnish
- 2 tbsp green onions, chopped, for garnish
Simple Cooking Directions
- Sear chicken pieces until golden brown.
- Make sauce with honey, garlic, soy sauce, and vinegar.
- Simmer chicken in sauce until sticky and coated.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
- Cut chicken into bite-sized chunks.
- Pat dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Make Honey Garlic Sauce
- In the same pan, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in honey, soy sauce, and vinegar. Simmer for 1–2 minutes.
Step 4: Combine & Thicken
- Return chicken to skillet, toss in sauce, and let simmer for 2–3 minutes until coated.
- For a thicker glaze, stir in cornstarch slurry and cook for 1 more minute.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
- Turn off heat, drizzle sesame oil if using.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
How to Serve
- Best served hot over steamed jasmine rice or fried rice.
- Pairs perfectly with stir-fried vegetables, broccoli, or bok choy.
- Can also be tossed with noodles for a quick Asian-inspired meal.
Additional Recipe Tips
- Don’t overcook garlic—it burns easily and turns bitter.
- Use chicken thighs for juicier results, but breasts work too.
- Adjust sweetness by reducing honey slightly if preferred.
- For spice lovers, add chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
Variations
- Honey Garlic Wings – Toss baked or fried chicken wings in the same sauce.
- Honey Garlic Shrimp – Swap chicken for shrimp and cook for 3–4 minutes.
- Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken – Add hot sauce or red chili flakes for heat.
- Crispy Version – Dredge chicken in cornstarch before pan-frying for extra crispiness.
Freezing & Storage
- Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3–4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken with sauce up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge.
- Reheating: Warm in skillet with a splash of water or microwave until heated through.
Special Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or wok
- Tongs or spatula
- Small bowl (for cornstarch slurry)
Conclusion
Honey Garlic Chicken is the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness that transforms simple chicken into something special. It’s quick to make, requires minimal effort, and works as both a weeknight dinner and a meal-prep favorite.
Whether you’re serving it over rice, noodles, or with veggies, this dish will win hearts every time. Try it once, and it’ll become a family favorite you’ll cook on repeat!
Honey Garlic Chicken
Description
Honey Garlic Chicken is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors that makes chicken irresistible. The honey adds a caramelized glaze, the garlic adds depth, and soy sauce brings in a savory umami kick.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Step 1: Prep the Chicken : Cut chicken into bite-sized chunks.Pat dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
-
Step 2: Cook the Chicken : Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.Add chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
-
Step 3: Make Honey Garlic Sauce : In the same pan, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.Stir in honey, soy sauce, and vinegar. Simmer for 1–2 minutes.
-
Step 4: Combine & Thicken : Return chicken to skillet, toss in sauce, and let simmer for 2–3 minutes until coated.For a thicker glaze, stir in cornstarch slurry and cook for 1 more minute.
-
Step 5: Garnish & Serve : Turn off heat, drizzle sesame oil if using.Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
