If you’re on the hunt for a dish that manages to balance savory and sweet, sticky and succulent, look no further than Honey Garlic Chicken. In just about half an hour, you’ll make a main course that’s golden and crisped on the outside, juicy inside, and absolutely bathed in a glossy honey garlic sauce. Whether you need something quick for a weeknight or a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for friends, this dish always brings smiles and hungry forks to the table!

Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Honey Garlic Chicken is delightfully short and fuss-free, yet each item works a little magic—adding bursts of flavor, crunch, or shine. With every bite, you’ll taste why each one truly matters.

Chicken thighs or breasts: These offer juicy, tender meat that soaks up all the sticky sauce; thighs are especially forgiving and flavorful, but breasts work great too.
Salt: Just the right amount brings out the chicken’s natural taste and balances the sweetness of the honey.
Black pepper: A tiny kick of warmth to round out the other flavors.
Cornstarch: This secret weapon coats the chicken, creating a light crust that helps the sauce cling beautifully.
Vegetable oil: Perfect for high-heat searing, giving your chicken that coveted golden exterior.
Garlic: Freshly minced for that irresistible bold aroma and a punchy backbone to the sauce.
Honey: Adds the signature sweetness and turns the sauce gorgeously glossy.
Soy sauce: Lends deep umami and a bit of salt to anchor all the other flavors.
Rice vinegar: Zips up the sauce with subtle tang, brightening every bite.
Sesame oil: Just a teaspoon at the end for nutty aroma and depth.
Chopped green onions & sesame seeds: For a fresh, crunchy garnish that makes the dish restaurant-worthy.

How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken dry with a paper towel—trust me, this makes a big difference for getting that irresistibly crisp crust. Sprinkle both sides with salt and black pepper, then dust each piece evenly with cornstarch. This not only gives the chicken a subtle crunch, it also helps thicken the sauce later so it wraps every bite in flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Once shimmering, add the chicken pieces and let them sizzle undisturbed for 5–6 minutes per side. You’re looking for a deep golden color and fully cooked centers—don’t rush it! Once done, move your chicken out of the pan and keep it on a plate while you get the sauce going.

Step 3: Build the Honey Garlic Sauce

Lower the heat to medium. In the same pan (no need to clean it—those browned bits add flavor!), toss in the minced garlic. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant but not browned. Next, whisk in the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Let the mixture bubble and simmer for 1–2 minutes, so it thickens up just a touch and smells absolutely divine.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken in Sauce

Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the simmering sauce all around each piece. Turn them a few times to get the sauce in every nook and cranny. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes—this step makes the cornstarch on the chicken mix with the sauce and thicken everything to a perfect, sticky finish.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

As soon as your Honey Garlic Chicken is glossy, sticky, and irresistible, transfer it to plates or a serving platter. Sprinkle over generous handfuls of chopped green onion and a big pinch of sesame seeds. All done! The end result is as pretty as it is delicious.

How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken

Garnishes

This dish thrives on fresh, crunchy touches—snipped green onions and a shower of nutty sesame seeds. For extra color, you can even add a few cilantro leaves, chili threads, or a squeeze of fresh lime for zing. The garnishes aren’t just for looks: they give contrast and balance to the sweet-savory sauce.

Side Dishes

Honey Garlic Chicken pairs beautifully with a big bowl of fluffy steamed rice, which soaks up every last bit of sauce. If you’re feeling fancy, try serving it alongside garlicky sautéed broccoli, snow peas, or a crisp cucumber salad for freshness. Even simple stir-fried greens are delicious and help round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to take your presentation up a notch, slice the chicken and fan out the pieces over a bed of rice in a shallow bowl. Drizzle on extra sauce, add garnishes, and maybe tuck in a wedge of lime or radish for a pop of color. Or, for a party, turn the pieces into skewers and serve as finger food—just the thing for dipping and sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra Honey Garlic Chicken, you’re in luck—it reheats beautifully! Let it cool completely, then store the chicken and sauce together in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch even tastier.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen, no problem. Place cooled chicken pieces with a good amount of sauce in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, squeeze out the air, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

For the juiciest results, reheat Honey Garlic Chicken gently in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen up the sauce. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring once or twice to keep everything moist and evenly heated.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work just as well as thighs, though they can be a little leaner. Just keep an eye on doneness so they don’t overcook. Slice larger breasts in half horizontally to help them cook quickly and stay juicy.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Honey Garlic Chicken is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari or coconut aminos). All the other ingredients fit right into a gluten-free lifestyle.

How spicy is the dish?

By default, this dish is mild—perfect for kids and spice-averse friends. If you crave a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes, sriracha, or a dash of chili oil when making the sauce.

What’s the best way to scale the recipe up or down?

To double or halve the recipe, simply adjust the quantities of each ingredient. The cooking method and times remain the same, though you may need to sear the chicken in batches if your pan is crowded to ensure even browning.

Can I bake or air-fry the chicken instead?

Yes—you can bake coated chicken pieces at 400°F until cooked through, then toss with the simmered sauce. Air-frying works too, but the stovetop method gives the most direct caramelization and flavor in the sauce!

Final Thoughts

I can’t say enough good things about this Honey Garlic Chicken—it’s fast, flavorful, and ridiculously satisfying. Whether you’re a kitchen pro or just starting out, you’ll love how simple (and downright delicious) it is. Give this recipe a try and watch it become your new favorite go-to meal!

Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is a sweet and savory dish that is quick and easy to make. Tender chicken thighs are coated in a flavorful honey garlic sauce, perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons cornstarch

Sauce:

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil

Garnish:

Chopped green onions
Sesame seeds

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Instructions

Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season with salt and pepper. Coat with cornstarch.
Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet, cook chicken until golden brown. Set aside.
Make the Sauce: Sauté garlic until fragrant. Add honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil. Simmer.
Combine: Return chicken to the pan, coat with sauce. Simmer until well coated.
Serve: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot.