Honey Garlic Chicken is the kind of dish that checks every box. It’s quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and pairs well with just about anything. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner, prepping meals for the week, or trying to impress your guests with minimal effort, this Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is a go-to solution.
The combination of sticky honey, rich soy sauce, and fresh garlic creates a well-balanced glaze that transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary. In this post, you’ll get everything you need to master this dish—from ingredients and instructions to variations, serving ideas, and storage tips.
Why This Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe Works
- Quick cooking time – Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Uses pantry staples – No complicated or hard-to-find ingredients.
- Bold, balanced flavor – Sweet, savory, and just the right touch of acidity.
- Perfect for meal prep – Tastes even better the next day.
- Versatile – Can be served over rice, noodles, or vegetables.
Ingredients
This Honey Garlic Chicken recipe uses a simple list of ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen.
Chicken:
- 600g boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium)
- 1.5 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 5 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
Optional Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions or parsley
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions for consistently perfect results.
1. Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and a little paprika for added flavor and color.
Tip: Using chicken thighs ensures the meat stays juicy and tender, but if you prefer leaner cuts, boneless chicken breasts will also work.
2. Sear the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden and slightly crispy. Once cooked through, transfer to a plate and set aside.
Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid steaming the chicken.
3. Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce
In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then stir in the honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and brown sugar. Let the mixture simmer for 1 minute.
Tip: Fresh garlic delivers the best flavor. If using jarred garlic, slightly reduce the amount.
4. Thicken the Sauce
Whisk the cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth. Slowly pour it into the simmering sauce, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
This creates the signature sticky glaze that coats the chicken beautifully.
5. Combine and Finish
Return the seared chicken to the pan. Spoon the sauce over each piece, ensuring every surface is well coated. Simmer on low heat for 5–7 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up the sauce.
Tip: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
6. Rest and Serve
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh herbs if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Honey Garlic Chicken is incredibly versatile. Here are a few serving ideas:
- Steamed white or jasmine rice – A classic choice to soak up the sauce.
- Brown rice or quinoa – For a fiber-rich alternative.
- Stir-fried or steamed vegetables – Such as broccoli, green beans, or bell peppers.
- Garlic noodles – For a richer, indulgent pairing.
- Lettuce wraps – Spoon the chicken into crisp lettuce cups for a low-carb version.
Recipe Variations
This Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is easy to customize. Here are some ideas:
Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken
Add chili flakes, sriracha, or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
Baked Honey Garlic Chicken
Skip the stovetop entirely. Place the seasoned chicken in a baking dish, pour the sauce over it, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes.
Honey Garlic Tofu
Swap out chicken for cubed tofu. Press and sear the tofu until crispy before adding it to the sauce.
Gluten-Free Version
Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce. Ensure the cornstarch and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Lemon Honey Garlic Chicken
Add a teaspoon of lemon zest and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the sauce for a citrus twist.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Honey Garlic Chicken stores well and makes for great leftovers.
Refrigeration:
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed.
Freezing:
- Freeze cooked and cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Tip: Freeze in individual portions for quicker lunches and dinners.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is one of those rare dishes that’s both simple and sophisticated. It delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort and ingredients, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced home cooks.
Whether you’re serving it with rice for a cozy dinner or prepping it for the week ahead, this recipe delivers every time. Try it once, and it may just become a staple in your kitchen.
Feel free to bookmark this post or print it out for easy access. If you’ve tried this Honey Garlic Chicken recipe, share your thoughts or personal twists in the comments below. Your feedback helps others—and we’d love to hear how it turned out for you.
Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Description
Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken is a quick and easy dinner made with tender chicken thighs coated in a sweet, savory garlic glaze. This one-pan dish is perfect for weeknights, packed with flavor, and pairs wonderfully with rice or steamed veggies. Ideal for anyone looking for a fuss-free, delicious chicken recipe.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
For Garnish (Optional):
Instructions
Prep the Chicken
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika. This helps build a flavorful crust.
Sear the Chicken
- In a large oven-safe skillet or pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Make the Sauce
- In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar. Stir and simmer for 1 minute.
Thicken the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Add the slurry to the pan and stir until the sauce thickens (about 1–2 minutes).
Combine & Bake
- Return the chicken to the pan and spoon sauce over the top. Transfer the pan to a preheated oven at 190°C and bake for 10–12 minutes until chicken is cooked through and internal temp reaches 74°C (165°F).
Rest and Garnish
- Remove from oven, rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped herbs. Serve hot with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.
Note
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezer-Friendly: Freeze cooked chicken with sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat on the stovetop.
Chicken Breasts Option: You can substitute thighs with boneless chicken breasts. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
Add Spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.
