Honey Garlic Chicken
Honey Garlic Chicken features tender pieces of chicken coated in a sweet, savory, and aromatic honey garlic sauce. It is quick to prepare and ideal for an easy dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish balances sweetness and umami with a rich garlic aroma. It is simple, uses pantry staples, and pairs excellently with rice or vegetables.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Chicken thighs or breasts
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Honey
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Garlic
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Soy sauce
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Vinegar
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Cornstarch
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Oil
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Salt and pepper
directions
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Season and sear the chicken until golden.
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Mix honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic to form the sauce.
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Add sauce to the pan and simmer.
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Thicken with a cornstarch slurry if needed.
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Serve over rice.
Servings and timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cook time: 15 minutes
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Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
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Use chili flakes for heat.
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Substitute chicken with tofu.
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Add broccoli or green beans.
storage/reheating
Store for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet to preserve sauce texture.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, but increase cook time.
Can I reduce the sweetness?
Reduce honey and increase soy sauce slightly.
Can I bake instead of pan-cooking?
Yes; bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes.
Does the sauce thicken on its own?
It thickens slightly; use cornstarch for a thicker consistency.
Can I freeze Honey Garlic Chicken?
Yes, without the cornstarch slurry.
What pairs well with it?
Rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.
Can I use bottled garlic?
Fresh garlic provides better flavor.
Is soy sauce required?
It is essential for saltiness and depth.
Can I double the sauce?
Yes, increase all sauce ingredients proportionally.
How do I keep chicken tender?
Avoid overcooking and use thighs for juiciness.
Conclusion
Honey Garlic Chicken is a flavorful, quick, and versatile meal that transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying dish.
PrintHoney Garlic Chicken
A sweet, savory, and sticky Honey Garlic Chicken made with a rich sauce that caramelizes beautifully while keeping the chicken tender and juicy.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken pieces and cook until golden and fully cooked through.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, and vinegar.
- Pour sauce over the chicken and bring to a simmer.
- Mix cornstarch and water to form a slurry, then stir into the skillet.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
- Season with black pepper and red pepper flakes if using.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, use chicken thighs instead of breasts.
- Add steamed broccoli or snap peas for a complete meal.
- Adjust honey to make the dish sweeter or soy sauce for saltiness.
- Great served over rice or noodles.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: honey garlic chicken, sticky chicken, sweet garlic chicken, easy skillet chicken
