If you’re on the hunt for a meal that always wins over the family, is ready in a snap, and absolutely bursts with flavor, my Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is a true weeknight hero. Think succulent chicken glazed in a sticky-sweet, garlicky sauce, caramelized to sheer perfection and finished with just a dash of brightness from vinegar. This dish brings together familiar pantry ingredients and transforms them into something that tastes every bit as special as takeout — but healthier, faster, and cozier from your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It doesn’t get much simpler than this: every ingredient in the Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe plays a starring role. From the warmth of honey to the savory kick of soy sauce, each element pairs beautifully to create a sauce you’ll want to drizzle over everything.
- Chicken thighs or breasts (1.5 pounds): Juicy, tender chicken is the perfect canvas for this bold sauce—choose thighs for extra moisture or breasts for a leaner bite.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and helps get that gorgeous golden crust on your chicken.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): A simple seasoning that enhances all the other flavors.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Lends a hint of warmth and balances the sweet elements.
- Honey (1/3 cup): The heart of the recipe, bringing natural sweetness and that glossy, sticky finish.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (1/4 cup): Deep, savory notes that marry perfectly with the honey.
- Garlic, minced (4 cloves): Cranks up the flavor—fresh garlic is non-negotiable here!
- Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon): Just a splash lifts the sauce and adds brightness.
- Water (1 tablespoon): Helps dissolve the cornstarch for an ultra-smooth glaze.
- Cornstarch (1 teaspoon): Thickens the sauce to a luscious, clingy consistency.
- Optional garnishes: sesame seeds, chopped green onions: Add fresh pops of color and crunch!
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by giving your chicken a generous seasoning of salt and pepper on both sides. In a large skillet set over medium heat, swirl in the olive oil and let it shimmer. Add the chicken pieces and cook undisturbed for 5–6 minutes on each side, letting that golden-brown crust form. This initial sear locks in moisture and sets the stage for a flavorful finish. Once cooked through, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep warm.
Step 2: Build the Honey Garlic Sauce
With the skillet still hot but now at a medium-low setting, pour in the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and vinegar. Give everything a good stir as it starts to bubble and get fragrant—this is where the magic happens! Let the sauce gently simmer while the flavors meld, getting ready for the next step.
Step 3: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Slowly add this slurry to your simmering sauce, stirring constantly. You’ll see the glaze thicken in just a minute or two, becoming silky and sticky enough to coat every corner of the chicken.
Step 4: Coat and Simmer
Return the chicken (along with any juices on the plate) to the skillet. Flip each piece to coat both sides in that irresistible honey garlic sauce. Let everything bubble together for another 1–2 minutes so the chicken soaks up all that wonderful flavor. The sauce will cling beautifully, giving the chicken its signature shine.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Spoon extra sauce over the chicken, then sprinkle on sesame seeds and chopped green onions if you like a little pop of color and texture. Serve your Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe warm, and get ready for the compliments!
How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing elevates this dish like a simple sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions. These add flavor, crunch, and a restaurant-style finish that makes the Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe look as good as it tastes. If you want to get extra fancy, a twist of lime zest or a sprinkle of chili flakes adds fresh zing or gentle heat.
Side Dishes
This chicken is incredible atop a fluffy bed of steamed rice, but you can also spoon it over tender lo mein noodles, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter twist. Balance the sticky, savory-sweet chicken with steamed veggies like broccoli or snap peas for color and crunch—a complete meal, made effortless.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and serve on skewers for appetizer platters. Or, pile the sliced chicken into lettuce wraps for crisp, handheld bites—perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. The Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe also shines as a bowl meal with rice, quick-pickled veggies, and a fried egg on top for extra flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover chicken cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. The Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days, and the flavors deepen overnight. Just be sure the chicken is submerged in the sauce to keep it moist.
Freezing
If you’d like to stash this dish for a busy night, allow the cooked chicken and sauce to cool, then freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container. It’ll stay delicious for up to two months. For best texture, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a covered skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. The sauce may thicken slightly in the fridge, so add a splash of water if needed. The microwave also works—just use gentle intervals and cover to prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Both options work beautifully in the Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe. Thighs are a bit more forgiving and stay juicier, but breasts offer a leaner option—just be careful not to overcook to keep them tender.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
With one quick swap, yes! Just use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce, and you’re all set for a totally gluten-free Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe.
How can I make the sauce spicier?
If you love a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of sriracha to the sauce while it simmers. Adjust the heat to your taste—it’s super adaptable!
Can I double the sauce for extra drizzling?
Go for it! If your family loves extra saucy chicken (who doesn’t?), simply double the sauce ingredients. You’ll have plenty to soak up with rice or veggies.
What’s the best way to cut the chicken for this recipe?
You can leave the pieces whole for a dramatic presentation or slice before serving to make it easy for everyone to grab a bite. Either way, that honey garlic glaze clings beautifully!
Final Thoughts
This Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe has been a go-to favorite in my kitchen for years, and once you try it, I have a feeling it’ll earn a permanent spot in yours too. It’s quick, incredibly flavorful, and endlessly adaptable for family dinners, meal prep, and lunches. Give it a try—you won’t believe how easy and delicious homemade takeout-style chicken can be!
Print
Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. Tender chicken cooked in a sweet and savory sauce, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, is sure to be a family favorite.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Optional Garnish:
- sesame seeds
- chopped green onions
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, combine honey, soy sauce, garlic, and vinegar. Thicken with cornstarch mixture.
- Simmer: Return chicken to the skillet, coat in sauce, and simmer briefly.
- Serve: Serve warm, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes
- Serve over rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Leftovers reheat well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken portion
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
