If you have a craving for something that’s both sweet and savory, tender yet packed with bold flavors, then this Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is going to become your new go-to. This dish brings together juicy chicken thighs or breasts coated in a luscious honey garlic sauce that perfectly balances sticky sweetness with a hint of umami from soy sauce and a gentle kick from garlic. It’s quick to prepare, wonderfully comforting, and ideal for any weeknight dinner or when you want to impress without stress. Once you try this Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe, you’ll see why it’s a beloved classic in so many homes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple ingredients is the secret to creating this magical dish. Each one plays a key role in delivering the perfect flavor and texture that makes this Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe unforgettable.
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Choose thighs for juicier meat or breasts for a leaner option, both cook beautifully.
- 1/3 cup honey: Brings natural sweetness and helps create that irresistible sticky glaze.
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce: Adds depth and a rich umami note without overpowering the other flavors.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is essential for that punch of aromatic, savory goodness in the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar: Offers a subtle tang to balance the sweetness perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce into a silky, clingy coating.
- 2 tablespoons water: Helps the cornstarch dissolve smoothly for that perfect sauce consistency.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: For searing the chicken to golden perfection.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and spice dimension.
- Optional sesame seeds and chopped green onions: Gorgeous garnishes that add texture and fresh color to the final plate.
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce
Start by whisking together the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, vinegar, and ground black pepper in a small bowl. This sauce base combines sweetness, acidity, and a savory kick to make your chicken shine. Setting it aside lets you focus on perfectly cooking the chicken without missing a beat.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs or breasts and sear them for 4 to 5 minutes on each side. Aim for a beautiful golden crust; this is where the flavor intensifies and the texture becomes delightfully satisfying. Once cooked through, remove the chicken and set it aside while you work on the sauce.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce and Thicken
Pour the honey garlic sauce mixture into the same skillet to capture all those pan flavors. Bring it to a gentle simmer so the flavors meld perfectly. Meanwhile, stir the cornstarch into water until smooth and then whisk it into the simmering sauce. Allow the sauce to thicken for 1 to 2 minutes until it turns silky and coats the back of a spoon, ready to envelope your chicken in sweet, garlicky goodness.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken and Finish Cooking
Return the seared chicken to the skillet, spooning the thickened honey garlic sauce all over each piece. Let everything simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes so the chicken soaks up those flavors and the sauce clings perfectly. This last step seals the deal and turns a simple meal into a star dish.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your dish, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions on top. These garnishes add inviting color, a subtle crunch, and a fresh herbal note that brighten the rich flavors of the chicken.
Side Dishes
This Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is incredibly versatile when it comes to sides. Serve it over steamed jasmine rice or fluffy basmati to soak up every bit of the sauce. For a lighter option, pair it with roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots to add vibrant color and balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests or family? Arrange the chicken over a bed of lightly sautéed spinach or bok choy and drizzle extra sauce on the plate for a restaurant-style presentation. You can also serve it in lettuce cups for a fun, handheld option that’s perfect for gatherings or casual dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe cools, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days and is a fantastic option for quick lunches or easy dinners during your busy week.
Freezing
If you want to keep this delicious meal for longer, freeze the cooked chicken with sauce in a freezer-safe container. It will maintain its flavor and texture for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw it thoroughly in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftover Honey Garlic Chicken gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water to the sauce as it warms to keep it from drying out. This way, it stays tender and saucy just like the first time you made it.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well in this recipe, though thighs tend to be juicier and a bit more forgiving during cooking. Just keep an eye on breasts to avoid drying out.
What can I substitute if I don’t have rice vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar is a perfect substitute as it adds a similar mild tanginess that balances the sweetness of the honey.
How do I make this dish spicier?
Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to your honey garlic sauce to give it a lively kick while keeping the flavor balance intact.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it can be gluten-free if you use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative instead of regular soy sauce.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
You can mix the sauce ingredients in advance and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good whisk before using to recombine any settled ingredients.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and irresistibly tasty about this Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe that makes it a true household favorite. From the simple, accessible ingredients to the rich, sticky sauce that hugs each bite of tender chicken, it’s a dish that satisfies every craving. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or aiming to impress friends, give this recipe a try—it just might become your new signature dinner!
Print
Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious and easy Honey Garlic Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken thighs or breasts cooked in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. This skillet dish is bursting with flavor and can be served over rice or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Thickener
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Cooking
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Optional Garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, vinegar, and ground black pepper until well combined. Set aside.
- Cook the chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs or breasts and sear for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Simmer the sauce: Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce into the same skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the simmering sauce, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, coating it well with the thickened sauce. Continue simmering for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to heat through.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally, sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with rice or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
- Chicken thighs are recommended for juicier results, but breasts work well too.
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
