Hey y’all! If you’re searching for a dinner that’s super easy, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table, you’ve got to try this Honey Garlic Chicken. The combination of sticky honey, punchy garlic, and juicy chicken creates a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or even impressing guests. Trust me, it comes together fast and tastes like something from your favorite takeout spot. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Chicken
- Effortless prep: Ready in under 30 minutes, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
- Sticky, sweet, and savory flavor that everyone loves.
- Minimal ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
- Works with chicken breasts, thighs, or even tofu for flexibility.
- Perfect for meal prep and leftovers taste even better!
Honey Garlic Chicken Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tbsp water (if using cornstarch slurry)
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions (for garnish)
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for faster, even cooking. Pat dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir it into the sauce. Simmer for another 2 minutes until glossy and thickened.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Toss to coat each piece in the sticky honey garlic sauce. Let it simmer for 1-2 more minutes to meld the flavors. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
Honey Garlic Chicken Notes & Tips
- For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in the honey garlic mixture for 30 minutes before cooking. Learn more about proper marinating techniques.
- Double the sauce if you’re serving over rice or noodles—it’s that good!
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temp of 165°F (more on safe temps).
Honey Garlic Chicken Variations
- Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken: Add 1-2 tsp of sriracha or red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Crispy Oven-Baked Version: Bake breaded chicken pieces at 400°F for 20 minutes, then toss in the sauce.
- Honey Garlic Tofu: Substitute chicken with extra-firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
Required Equipment for Honey Garlic Chicken
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl (if marinating)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Honey Garlic Chicken Storage Instructions
Store leftover Honey Garlic Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Gently reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. You can also freeze for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge and rewarm before serving.
Serving Ideas & Pairings for Honey Garlic Chicken
- Serve over steamed jasmine rice or brown rice to soak up all the sauce.
- Pair with roasted broccoli, snap peas, or a crisp Asian slaw.
- Stuff into lettuce wraps for a lighter, low-carb meal.
Pro Tips for Perfect Honey Garlic Chicken
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet—cook in batches for golden, juicy chicken. More on skillet cooking basics.
- Let the sauce simmer until it’s sticky and coats the back of a spoon for maximum flavor impact.
- Add fresh ginger for a zesty twist.
Honey Garlic Chicken FAQ
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Thighs are extra juicy and flavorful in this recipe. - Can I make Honey Garlic Chicken ahead of time?
Yes—just store in the fridge and reheat gently before serving. The flavors actually get better! - Is this Honey Garlic Chicken gluten-free?
Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and check that your cornstarch is gluten-free.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/3 cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
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1Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
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2Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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3In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Bring to a simmer.
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4Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, coating them in the sauce. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. For a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water and stir into the sauce.
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5Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot with steamed rice or vegetables.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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